While more than 90 per cent of cases of viral hepatitis are caused by the A, B or C virus, other strains of hepatitis are also lately coming to light. Hepatitis D, called the delta virus, requires that the Hepatitis B virus be present. Hepatitis E is transmitted through fecal matter, sometimes through contaminated water. Very little is known about Hepatitis F and the understanding of Hepatitis G is still preliminary. In this condition, the body's own immune system, for unknown reasons, attacks the liver cells, often leading to chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Some patients require treatment with corticosteroids, which suppress the overactive immune response.
This disease, which is not infectious, is most common in young women, but can be found in all age groups and also affects men.