The characteristic histopathological feature of alcoholic hepatitis is the presence of Mallory-Denk bodies. These are cytoplasmic inclusions found within hepatocytes, composed of damaged intermediate filaments (mainly cytokeratin). Their presence indicates hepatocellular injury caused by chronic alcohol consumption and oxidative stress. Mallory-Denk bodies are often accompanied by ballooned hepatocytes, neutrophilic infiltration, and perivenular fibrosis, which are hallmarks of alcoholic liver injury. Identifying these inclusions aids in differentiating alcoholic hepatitis from other liver diseases histologically.

Reference: Robbins Basic Pathology, Kumar et al., 10th Edition.