Liver disease that can inflame or kill liver cells. It is caused by a virus or by a toxic substance, such as alcohol. The most common strains of viral hepatitis are A, B, C, D, and E. Depending on the strain, they can be transmitted through contaminated needles, exchange of body fluids, or feces. Hepatitis B and C are the most common strains in injection drug users. Also see alcoholic hepatitis.
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