In some cases, the immune system mistakes the liver as harmful and attacks it. Other toxic causes of hepatitis include misuse of medications and exposure to toxins. Over time, it can cause permanent damage and lead to thickening or scarring of liver tissue ( cirrhosis) and liver failure. The alcohol directly injures the cells of your liver. This may also be referred to as alcoholic hepatitis. Alcohol and other toxinsĮxcess alcohol consumption can cause liver damage and inflammation. Contact with HBV in body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semenĬontact with HCV in body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semenĪlthough hepatitis is most commonly the result of an infection, other factors can cause the condition.