hepatitis definition
Definition. Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus, the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It varies in severity, running an acute course, generally starting within two to six weeks after contact with the virus, and lasting no longer than two or three months.. A form of viral hepatitis caused by an enterovirus that does not persist in the blood serum, is transmitted by ingestion of infected food and water, and has a shorter incubation and milder symptoms than hepatitis B. Also called infectious hepatitis.