A continuing inflammation of the liver that damages liver cells. In viral hepatitis, chronic means the virus persists in the blood for 6 months or more. Although severe cases of acute (short-lived) hepatitis can also be serious, chronic active hepatitis is far more likely to cause serious problems. It is more likely to lead to complications such as life-threatening cirrhosis (a severe liver disease in which healthy cells are destroyed and replaced by scar tissue), liver cancer, and liver failure. Eventually, if chronic active hepatitis destroys a major portion of the liver and prevents it from functioning properly, a liver transplant may be required.