Hepatitis B and D Viruses

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a DNA virus in the Hepadnaviridae family that is transmitted by percutaneous, sexual, and perinatal transmission. Currently, approximately 1.25 million individuals in the United States and approximately 400 million persons worldwide are infected with HBV. Detection of HBV-specific proteins, antibodies, and nucleic acid is used as key diagnostic tests to detect infection and determine the stage of disease. These include the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and a soluble nucleocapsid protein, HBV e antigen (HBeAg), as well as the detection and quantitation of HBV DNA. Additionally, there are specific tests for detection of antibodies to HBsAg and the HB core antigen. Several effective vaccines are available for preventing infection with HBV, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all infants receive the HBV vaccine at birth. A variety of effective antiviral therapies are available for treatment of chronic HBV. These drugs are antiviral agents which target and prevent HBV replication. With the effective vaccine and therapy, HBV infections can be controlled and prevented.