hepatitis

[ hep-uh-tahy-tis ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. inflammation of the liver, caused by a virus or a toxin and characterized by jaundice, liver enlargement, and fever.

hepatitis

/ ˌhɛpəˈtaɪtɪs /

noun

1. inflammation of the liver, characterized by fever, jaundice, and weakness See hepatitis A hepatitis B hepatitis C

hepatitis

/ hĕp′ə-tī′tĭs /

1. Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by any of various infectious agents or toxins, including alcohol and numerous chemical compounds. Symptoms usually include jaundice, fatigue, fever, liver enlargement, and abdominal pain. There are five types of viral hepatitis: A, B,C, D, and E. Hepatitis A, an acute infection caused by a virus of the genus Hepatovirus is transmitted by contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B, caused by a virus of the genus Orthohepadnavirus and Hepatitis C, caused by a virus of the genus Hepacivirus, are more serious infections that are transmitted through infected bodily fluids such as blood and semen.

hepatitis

1. An inflammation of the liver . Hepatitis is most often caused by a virus , but it can be the result of exposure to certain toxic agents, such as drugs or chemicals. One viral form of the disease is spread by contaminated food and water, and other forms by contaminated injection needles and blood transfusions . Symptoms of hepatitis include fever and jaundice .

Word History and Origins

Origin of hepatitis¹

From the Greek word hēpatîtis, dating back to 1720–30. See hepat-, -itis

Example Sentences

Lesh quickly faced his own health problems: In 1998, he had a successful liver transplant after having a chronic hepatitis C infection.

From Los Angeles Times

She says it has meant treatments for conditions like cystic fibrosis and hepatitis B are getting NHS funding.

From BBC

Delivering the findings of the inquiry, Sir Brian criticised UK government claims in the 1990s that screening for hepatitis C began as soon as the technology was available.

From BBC

When the algae “blooms” so quickly, it can produce toxins leading to loss of appetite, vomiting and even jaundice and hepatitis for swimmers.

From Los Angeles Times

Cockroaches carry a wide range of diseases and pathogens including bubonic plague, dysentery, hepatitis, hookworms, leprosy, salmonella and polio.

From Salon