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hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is usually due to a generalized infection. Early symptoms include lethargy, nausea, fever, jaundice, and muscle and joint pains. Five different hepatitis viruses have come to light: A, B, C, D, and E. The commonest single cause, accounting for up to 40 percent of cases worldwide, is the hepatitis A virus (HAV), which colonizes the digestive tract, causing an acute illness. Much more serious is infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Formerly known as serum hepatitis, it can lead to chronic inflammation of the liver and, in some cases, to liver cancer. Hepatitis C can also become chronic. HDV, common in the Mediterranean region, can only replicate in the presence of of HBV. HEV is endemic in some tropical countries. Vaccines are available against HAV and HBV.
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• HEALTH AND DISEASE
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