Viral Hepatitis and DNA Viruses (Microbiology)

A family of viruses that infect the liver and contain DNA, known for their unique partially double-stranded circular DNA structure.

The viral enzyme responsible for synthesizing DNA from RNA.

The core antigen of the HBV virus, found within the capsid.

A breakdown product of HBcAg, detectable during acute or chronic infection.

The surface antigen of HBV, important for neutralizing the virus and the basis for the subunit vaccine.

A type of immune cell that targets and destroys infected hepatocytes, helping clear acute hepatitis.

A type of hepatitis caused by HBV, characterized by a long incubation period.

Viral particles released into the bloodstream that act like decoys, distracting the host's immune system.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can lead to chronic infection, liver damage, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Chronic infection occurs in 2-6% of adults and 90% of infected infants.

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective virus that requires the help of HBV to replicate. It is a small, circular, single-stranded RNA virus with a unique capsid.

HDV infection can occur either simultaneously with HBV (coinfection) or after a previous HBV infection (superinfection). Superinfection often leads to more severe symptoms.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus that can cause acute hepatitis. It belongs to the Picornaviridae family and is transmitted through the fecal-oral route.

HAV is resistant to disinfection and stomach acid making it easily transmissible through contaminated food or water. It causes acute hepatitis.

The Picornaviridae family includes viruses that infect humans and cause various illnesses. Some examples include enteroviruses, rhinoviruses, and HAV.

Enteroviruses are resistant to harsh environmental conditions and are transmitted through the fecal-oral route. They are part of the Picornaviridae family.

Rhinoviruses are another member of the Picornaviridae family and are responsible for the common cold.

The most common mode of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) transmission is through exposure to infected blood, often from intravenous (IV) drug use, needle sticks, or blood transfusions. It can also spread sexually or from mother to child during pregnancy or birth.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis, with chronic cases leading to long-term liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, and even hepatocellular carcinoma.

The Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the fecal-oral route. This means infection occurs when a person ingests contaminated food or water, like from an infected person who hasn't washed their hands properly.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes acute hepatitis, which is a short-term inflammation of the liver. Unlike some other types, HAV typically doesn't lead to chronic liver disease or long-term health complications. It's also resistant to common disinfectants.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection often leads to acute hepatitis, which is a short-term inflammation of the liver. While many people experience mild or no symptoms, in some cases, especially in pregnant women, HEV infection can be fatal.

Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) are both enveloped viruses. They both have genetic material in the form of single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA).

Chronic Hepatitis C infection leads to the body's immune system attacking infected liver cells. These attacks, by cytotoxic T-cells (CD8 T-cells), damage the liver, eventually leading to serious conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).