Knowra Hepatitis B virus Hepatitis B virus Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an enveloped DNA virus that infects liver cells. Infection can be acute or chronic and may lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Hepatitis B virus replication cycle : The sequence by which hepatitis B virus enters liver cells, copies its genome, and produces viral particles. Its reverse-transcription step distinguishes HBV replication from ordinary DNA-virus replication.
Hepatitis B serology : Blood testing that uses hepatitis B antigens and antibodies to identify infection, immunity, and disease phase. Different marker combinations distinguish acute infection, chronic infection, and vaccination-derived immunity.
Chronic hepatitis B : Long-lasting infection with hepatitis B virus, generally defined by persistence of surface antigen for at least six months. Chronic infection is the main route from HBV exposure to progressive liver disease.
Hepatitis A virus : An RNA virus transmitted mainly through contaminated food or water that causes acute hepatitis. Unlike HBV, it does not cause chronic infection and has no DNA stage.
Functional cure of hepatitis B : A treatment outcome in which hepatitis B surface antigen is lost, with or without detectable antibodies, and viral activity remains controlled. It is the practical cure goal despite persistent viral DNA often remaining in liver cells.
cccDNA : A stable, circular DNA form of the hepatitis B virus genome found in infected liver-cell nuclei. This viral DNA reservoir can persist even when treatment suppresses circulating virus.
Tenofovir : An antiviral drug that inhibits reverse transcriptase and is used to suppress hepatitis B virus replication. It can control chronic HBV but usually does not eliminate persistent viral DNA.
Cirrhosis : Permanent scarring and structural distortion of the liver caused by long-term injury. Chronic HBV can drive fibrosis that progresses to cirrhosis and liver failure.
Hepatitis C virus : An RNA virus transmitted mainly through blood that can cause chronic hepatitis and liver cancer. Both can cause chronic liver disease, but direct-acting drugs can usually cure HCV.
Hepatitis B virus cccDNA persistence : The continued presence of hepatitis B virus cccDNA in liver-cell nuclei after viral replication is suppressed. This reservoir can reactivate and is a major barrier to curing chronic infection.
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