Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver brought on by viral infections, autoimmune diseases, alcohol abuse, exposure to toxins, or othercauses. It is most commonly associated with viral hepatitis, whichoccurs in several different types, but it has also been linked to forms ofcancer and other serious medical conditions such as cirrhosis.Liver-related health problems are a growing concern. As many as fourmillion Americans could be infected with some form of hepatitis C, themost common chronic infection in the United States, without evenknowing it.