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What Types of Hepatitis Lead to Chronic Liver Disease & Cirrhosis?

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. There are many causes of hepatitis, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, medications and alcohol abuse. When most people think of hepatitis, they think of viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis is classified into several types. Some types of hepatitis are more dangerous than others, and not all lead to chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.

  1. Hepatitis A

    • Hepatitis A is acquired from water or food sources and is common in underdeveloped countries. Mild cases of hepatitis A don't require treatment, and most people with hepatitis A recover completely with no permanent liver damage. In rare cases, hepatitis A can lead to acute liver failure. This usually only occurs in people who already have chronic liver disease.

    Hepatitis B

    • Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). According to the American Liver Foundation, most cases of hepatitis B are short-term. Approximately 5 percent of people who are infected with this virus develop chronic liver disease. HBV can lead to more serious conditions, including liver cancer. Infants and children are more likely than adults to develop chronic infection.

    Hepatitis C

    • Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is considered the most serious of the hepatitis viruses. According to the American Liver Foundation, more than 60 percent of people who contract this virus develop chronic hepatitis C. HCV can lead to very serious liver disease, including cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. About one in four people with chronic hepatitis C develops cirrhosis.

    Hepatitis D

    • Hepatitis D, also called Delta Agent or HDV, is a much less-common virus. It can only exist in people who already have hepatitis B. HDV can make an existing hepatitis B infection worse. Hepatitis D is seen most commonly in IV drug users. This virus can cause cirrhosis, but is not common in the United States.

    Other Forms of Hepatitis

    • Non-viral forms of hepatitis can also lead to chronic liver disease. Alcoholic hepatitis, also called alcoholic liver disease, is caused by long-term chronic alcohol abuse. The longer the alcohol use, the more likely chronic liver disease will develop. Cirrhosis is the final phase of alcoholic hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by the immune system attacking normal liver cells. The progression of autoimmune hepatitis may be slowed by corticosteroid treatment, but the disease may worsen to cirrhosis.

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