Mallory bodies are indicative of which liver condition?

Mallory bodies are abnormal cytoplasmic inclusions found within liver cells (hepatocytes) that are particularly associated with alcoholic liver disease. These structures are composed of aggregated intermediate filaments, specifically cytokeratins, and are considered a histopathological hallmark of liver damage related to excessive alcohol consumption. The presence of Mallory bodies indicates a response to cellular injury and is often associated with alcoholic hepatitis, which can progress to more severe liver conditions if alcohol consumption continues.

In the context of alcoholic liver disease, the accumulation of Mallory bodies signifies the disruption of normal hepatocyte function and represents the liver's inability to process and repair cellular damage caused by alcohol toxicity. This feature is a key characteristic that pathologists look for when diagnosing alcoholic liver disease at the microscopic level.

Other conditions listed, such as hepatitis A and B, as well as cirrhosis, do not prominently feature Mallory bodies as part of their pathology. Hepatitis A and B are mainly viral infections and would show different types of liver cell injury and necrosis without the characteristic appearance of these bodies. Cirrhosis can be associated with many forms of liver injury but does not specifically include the presence of Mallory bodies unless related to alcohol abuse.

Understanding the context in which