Hepatitides

Hepatitis A

HAV is a virus that causes acute inflammation of the liver. HAV infection results in lifelong immunity to further infections. HAV does not lead to chronic disease.

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the liver. HEV does not cause chronic disease and in the United States, HEV is rarely found.

Hepatitis B

HBV is a virus that causes acute and sometimes chronic inflammation of the liver causing liver damage that can lead to cirrhosis, cancer, and death.

Hepatitis C

HCV is a virus that causes liver disease which is found in the blood of persons who have the disease. HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person.

Last updated December 17, 2012