[Chronic active hepatitis and generalized viral infection]

Virus infection of organs and tissues in chronic active hepatitis (CAH) is generalized, therefore CAH may be considered to be a generalized viral infection in which liver involvement is only one but most important manifestation thereof. The involvement of both liver and other internal organs in CAH is underlain by delayed type hypersensitivity reaction supported by immune complexes containing hepatitis B virus antigens. The intensity of hypersensitivity reaction (immune inflammation) and autoimmunization is mediated genetically.