Chronic Hepatitis can cause liver failure, liver cancer, death

Viral hepatitis types A, B, C, D and E can cause infection and subsequent liver inflammation. [iStockphoto]

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed, or damaged, its functions can be affected.

Hepatitis is commonly caused by a viral infection, but toxins, certain drugs, alcoholism and bacterial infections can also cause hepatitis.