Hepatitis

Published on 21/03/2015 by admin

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Last modified 21/03/2015

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Chapter 33 Hepatitis

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, can be caused by a viral agent. Hepatitis viruses can be classified into six types: hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), and hepatitis G virus (HGV). The hepatocytes (epithelial cells of the liver) are damaged either directly by the virus or by the body’s immune response to the virus; in either case, there is altered cellular function that leads to inflammation, necrosis, and autolysis of the liver. Regeneration of cells begins when damaged cells are removed by phagocytosis. Usually recovery is achieved with minimal residual damage, although chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis may develop.