Gastroenterology Consultants,SC: Diseases of the GI tract AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS [<<back | list all>>] Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, which in turn causes damage to individual liver cells. However it can also be caused by alcohol, certain drugs, chemicals or poisons, or other diseases. There are different kinds of antibodies, each fighting against a specific foreign substance. The immune system protects the body against outside invasion by germs. Sometimes the immune system mistakenly recognizes the body's own organs as foreign. It can develop antibodies against these organs. This can cause various illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. These illnesses are called autoimmune disorders because the body is literally fighting against itself. When the immune system attacks the liver in this way it is called autoimmune hepatitis. This is not caused by a virus or bacteria and is not a contagious disease. What triggers the immune system against the liver is unknown.