What is hepatitis?

“Hepatitis” derives from the Greek word for liver (“hepar”) and means “inflammation of the liver”. It is often caused by viruses = submicroscopic infectious agents consisting of genetic information and proteins that need human host cells to replicate. A distinction is made between hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses (HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, and HEV) and various subforms.

The liver is our most important metabolic organ and plays a major role in controlling carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. In addition, it produces coagulation factors, enzymes, and some hormones and is involved in the activation and breakdown of hormones. The bile produced by the liver and transported to the intestines stimulates digestion and the absorption of fats from food. Last but not least, the liver breaks down toxins and medications and excretes them with bile.

Chronic viral liver inflammation causes damage to the liver and may lead to impairment or loss of liver function and to liver cancer.