The intracellular hepatitis B virus is a non-cytopathic virus that causes little or no damage to the cell. During HBV infection, the host immune response causes both hepatocellular damage and viral clearance. The HBV virion binds to a receptor at the surface of the hepatocyte and enters the cell, where it uses the host's cell mechanisms to replicate its genome and proteins. Different viral antigens and antibodies may be detected in serum throughout the course of the disease, including HBsAg, HBcAg, HBeAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBC, and anti-HBe. Transmission occurs from exposure to infectious blood or body fluids. Hepatitis B is often associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. Immune complexes, such as surface antigen-antibody, are important in the pathogenesis of hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B pathophysiology
Hepatitis C pathophysiology
Hepatitis E pathophysiology
Hepatitis B diagnostic criteria
Alcoholic hepatitis pathophysiology
Autoimmune hepatitis pathophysiology
Peliosis hepatis pathophysiology
Hepatitis D risk factors