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Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by bacterial
or viral infection, drugs (including alcohol), toxins,
or parasites. This disease is characterized by an
enlarged liver, jaundice, diminished appetite, nausea,
and abdominal pain. There are at least three forms
of viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and
non-A, non-B hepatitis). Hepatitis A, also known
as infectious hepatitis, is transmitted by contaminated
food or water and personal contact, and is most
often found in children or young adults. Hepatitis
B, formerly called serum hepatitis, may be transmitted
through contaminated blood or needles, as well as
sexually, and has a longer incubation period than
that of hepatitis A. Hepatitis B can result in chronic
active hepatitis. Non-A, non-B hepatitis is also
transmitted through blood and can cause severe liver
damage. Radioimmunoassays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assays may be used to screen for hepatitis. |
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