Which of the following is a common cause of fulminant hepatitis?

Fulminant hepatitis is characterized by rapid onset of liver failure, often associated with hepatic encephalopathy. Acetaminophen overdose is recognized as a common and significant cause of fulminant hepatic failure. The liver metabolizes acetaminophen, and in cases of overdose, the normal metabolic pathways can become overwhelmed, leading to the accumulation of toxic metabolites. These metabolites cause extensive liver damage, resulting in the rapid decline of liver function that is characteristic of fulminant hepatitis.

Alcohol abuse can lead to liver injury over time, but it typically causes chronic liver disease rather than acute fulminant hepatitis. Hepatitis B virus is a notable viral cause of liver inflammation, but while it can lead to acute liver failure, it is less frequent as a cause of fulminant hepatitis compared to acetaminophen overdose. Gallstones primarily cause biliary obstruction and inflammation but do not directly lead to the type of rapid hepatic failure seen in fulminant hepatitis. Thus, acetaminophen overdose is the most relevant answer, demonstrating a clear mechanism by which it precipitates this acute condition.