Risk Factors for Autoimmune Hepatitis: From Genesand Pregnancy to Vaccinations and Pollutants

autoimmune hepatitis (aIh) is an autoimmune liver disease which primarily affects females. Two serological types of aIh have been recognized based on their autoantibody profiles, with aIh type 1 affecting all ages, and aIh type 2 being present mostly in the pediatric age. Patients with aIh often respond well to immunosuppression. The known or apparent risk factors for developing aIh have been identified mostly by smaller reports or case studies. To date, multiple genetic, environmental and infectious agents have been implicated in the development of aIh. This review provides an overview of these risk factors, some of which have stronger associations than others.