Structure of the hepatitis B virus

(Acknowledgement: Baruch S. Blumberg)The identification of HBV led to the development of vaccines using HBsAg particles isolated from the serum of chronic carriers and later, after the genome of the HBV had been cloned, recombinant DNA vaccines.

HBV has been classified into eight genotypes, each with a distinct geographical and ethnic distribution:

Genotypes A and D - Africa, Europe and India
Genotypes B and C - Asia
Genotype E - West Africa
Genotype F - Central and South America
Genotype G - France, Germany and the USA
Genotype H - Central America

Hepatitis B presents clinical staff with many difficult challenges. Disease management is still developing, influenced by the introduction of new drugs and the evolution of new data. Treatment is complicated, may be costly and time consuming. While there is an effective vaccination for HBV, it is not universally available. Dealing with patient uncertainties about therapy and the social and occupational implications arising from this may present further problems.

This section reviews current understanding about hepatitis B and provides a framework for optimal management of the disease by health professionals.
Hep B virus