Hepatitis B Index

Featured: Hepatitis B Main Article
The hepatitis B virus is a unique, coated DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family of viruses. Hepatitis B is transmitted through sexual contact, blood-to-blood contact (for example, intravenous drug use), and from mother to child; but not through food, water, or casual contact. The course of the virus is determined primarily by the age at which the infection is acquired and the interaction between the virus and the body's immune system. Successful treatment is associated with a reduction in liver injury and fibrosis (scarring), a decreased likelihood of developing cirrhosis and its complications, including liver cancer, and a prolonged survival.