Hepatitis (A and B) is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A and hepatitis B viruses.

Hepatitis A can be transmitted by infected food or water or by failure to observe hygienic precautions. Hepatitis B can only be transmitted directly by the blood, urine, feces, milk or semen of an infected individual. In both forms of the disease, several months may elapse between the time of infection and the first signs of the disease. The signs of the disease include: high fever (for hepatitis A), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, and jaundice of the skin or eyes. Hepatitis A is the milder form of the disease and usually lasts no longer than 3-4 weeks. Hepatitis B, in contrast, may become chronic and result in liver damage. A complete recovery is also possible with this form, however.

There is no direct drug therapy for hepatitis. However, there are vaccines against both forms of the disease.