Which disease causes inflammation of the liver?

The liver is a vital organ that plays a crucial role in detoxification, metabolism, and storage of nutrients. When the liver becomes inflamed, it disrupts these essential functions and can lead to serious health problems. The disease primarily responsible for causing inflammation of the liver is hepatitis. Hepatitis refers to a group of viral infections (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E) that attack liver cells, leading to swelling, irritation, and impaired liver function.

Hepatitis can spread through different routes depending on the type. For example, Hepatitis A and E are often transmitted through contaminated food and water, while Hepatitis B, C, and D are primarily spread via blood and body fluids. Symptoms of hepatitis include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and dark-colored urine. Chronic hepatitis can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or even liver cancer if left untreated.

Other options in this question do not primarily affect the liver:

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  Cholera is a bacterial infection causing severe diarrhea and dehydration.

  
  


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  Typhoid is a bacterial infection affecting the intestines.

  
  


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  Jaundice is a symptom, not a disease, often caused by hepatitis or other liver problems.

  
  

Hepatitis illustrates how viral infections can target specific organs and cause widespread physiological effects. Understanding hepatitis is important in biology and health sciences because it shows the relationship between pathogens, the immune system, and organ function. Prevention through vaccination, proper hygiene, and safe practices is key to controlling the spread of hepatitis worldwide.

Studying hepatitis also highlights the importance of liver health in maintaining overall body homeostasis, as this organ is central to metabolism, blood filtration, and toxin removal. Awareness of liver diseases like hepatitis is essential for students of biology, medicine, and public health.