Hepatitis infers inflammation and dysfunction of the liver. It can be caused by consuming toxins (alcohol in particular), over-medicating, trauma and viral infections. Hepatitis B is a common virus that infects and inflames the liver, either in short-term bouts (acute) or for much longer periods of time (chronic).

An estimated 2 billion people worldwide have been infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and more than 350 million people have chronic, lifelong liver infections as a result. [Symptoms of acute hepatitis B often include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fever, fatigue, darkened urine and abdominal pain. Chronic cases also involve progressive liver dysfunction, cirrhosis and, ultimately, organ failure. Hepatitis B has no medical cure, but it can be prevented via vaccination and responsible lifestyle choices.