Chronic hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B is a persistent infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), serologically defined by the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood for at least six months

Chronic hepatitis B is a persistent infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), serologically defined by the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood for at least six months The condition encompasses a dynamic clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic, inactive carrier states to active hepatitis marked by elevated serum alanine aminotransferase and circulating HBV DNA Left untreated, progressive chronic necroinflammation significantly elevates the risk of ...

Pathophysiologically, the viral genome establishes covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) within host hepatocytes, where host immune-mediated responses rather than direct viral cytopathology drive hepatic necroinflammation

Pathophysiologically, the viral genome establishes covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) within host hepatocytes, where host immune-mediated responses rather than direct viral cytopathology drive hepatic necroinflammation

The condition encompasses a dynamic clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic, inactive carrier states to active hepatitis marked by elevated serum alanine aminotransferase and circulating HBV DNA

Left untreated, progressive chronic necroinflammation significantly elevates the risk of severe hepatic complications, including progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma