Hepatitis B Virus: Structure, Replication, Pathogenesis, Variants, Epidemiology, Prevention and Diagnosis
Introduction Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Viral hepatitis is one of the most important infectious diseases affecting humans worldwide. Several different viruses can cause hepatitis, but the major human hepatitis viruses are Hepatitis A virus (HAV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Hepatitis D virus (HDV), Hepatitis E virus (HEV), and Hepatitis G virus (HGV) . These viruses differ in their genetic material, structure, routes of transmission, incubation period, clinical manifestations, and ability to cause chronic infection. The liver performs many essential functions, including metabolism of nutrients, detoxification of harmful substances, synthesis of proteins, and production of bile. When hepatitis viruses infect liver cells, they can cause inflammation and damage to the liver. Some infections are short-lasting and resolve completely, whereas others may become chronic and lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma . ...