Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, an organ essential to life. Hepatitis is caused most often by a virus, but other factors like drugs and medications may play a role.

The most common types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, and C. Hepatitis A is the least serious form. A small proportion of individuals with hepatitis B develops chronic disease, in which the illness lasts longer than 6 months. Chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C are the most serious forms of hepatitis. Both pose risks of long-term medical complications, especially if left untreated.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucially important. While there is no guaranteed cure for chronic hepatitis B or C, a significant percentage of people who are treated improve.

Explore this section to:

  • Learn about the different kinds of hepatitis and what causes them.
  • Find out about the liver’s many roles and understand why it is so vital to your body.
  • Learn what tests are used to diagnose hepatitis and monitor the disease.

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What Is Hepatitis?
Kinds of Hepatitis
The Liver
Testing for Hepatitis