HIV/AIDS Glossary

Inflammation of the liver, usually from a viral infection. The most common hepatitis infections are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Hepatitis may also be due to autoimmune disease, alcohol, medications, or toxic agents. Symptoms of hepatitis, if any, can include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and jaundice. Hepatitis can lead to liver damage, liver failure, or cancer. Hepatitis is also often used to refer to the group of viral infections that affect the liver (hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E).