Hepatitis B

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search
Hepatitis B
Classification and external resources
Micrograph showing of Hepatitis B virus
ICD-10 B16.,
B18.0-B18.1
ICD-9 070.2-070.3
OMIM 610424
DiseasesDB 5765
MedlinePlus 000279
eMedicine med/992  ped/978
MeSH D006509

Hepatitis B is a disease caused by hepatitis B virus which infects the liver of hominoidae, including humans, and causes an inflammation called hepatitis. Originally known as "serum hepatitis",[1] the disease has caused epidemics in parts of Asia and Africa, and it is endemic in China. [2] About a third of the world's population, more than 2 billion people, have been infected with the hepatitis B virus.[3] This includes 350 million chronic carriers of the virus.[4] Transmission of hepatitis B virus results from exposure to infectious blood or body fluids containing blood.

The acute illness causes liver inflammation, vomiting, jaundice and—rarely—death. Chronic hepatitis B may eventually cause liver cirrhosis and liver cancer—a fatal disease with very poor response to current chemotherapy.[5] The infection is preventable by vaccination.[6]

Hepatitis B virus is an hepadnavirushepa from hepatotrophic and dna because it is a DNA virus)[7]—and it has a circular genome composed of partially double-stranded DNA. The viruses replicate through an RNA intermediate form by reverse transcription, and in this respect they are similar to retroviruses.[8] Although replication takes place in the liver, the virus spreads to the blood where virus-specific proteins and their corresponding antibodies are found in infected people. Bloods test for these proteins and antibodies are used to diagnose the infection.[9]

Contents

[edit] Virology

[edit] Structure

A simplified drawing of the HBV particle and surface antigen

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a member of the Hepadnavirus family.[7] The virus particle, (virion) consists of an outer lipid envelope and an icosahedral nucleocapsid core composed of protein. The nucleocapsid encloses the viral DNA and a DNA polymerase that has reverse transcriptase activity.[8] The outer envelope contains embedded proteins which are involved in viral binding of, and entry into, susceptible cells. The virus is one of the smallest enveloped animal viruses with a virion diameter of 42nm, but pleomorphic forms exist, including filamentous and spherical bodies lacking a core. These particles are not infectious and are composed of the lipid and protein that forms part of the surface of the virion, which is called the surface antigen (HBsAg), and is produced in excess during the life cycle of the virus.[10]

[edit] Genome

The genome organisation of HBV. The genes overlap

The genome of HBV is made of circular DNA, but it is unusual because the DNA is not fully double-stranded. One end of the full length strand is linked to the viral DNA polymerase. The genome is 3020-3320 nucleotides long (for the full length strand) and 1700-2800 nucleotides long (for the short length strand).[11] The negative-sense, (non-coding), is complementary to the viral mRNA. The viral DNA is found in the nucleus soon after infection of the cell. The partially double-stranded DNA is rendered fully double-stranded by completion of the (+) sense strand and removal of a protein molecule from the (-) sense strand and a short sequence of RNA from the (+) sense strand. Non-coding bases are removed from the ends of the (-)sense strand and the ends are rejoined. There are four known genes encoded by the genome called C, X, P, and S. The core protein is coded for by gene C (HBcAg), and its start codon is preceded by an upstream in-frame AUG start codon from which the pre-core protein is produced. HBeAg is produced by proteolytic processing of the pre-core protein. The DNA polymerase is encoded by gene P. Gene S is the gene that codes for the surface antigen (HBsAg). The HBsAg gene is one long open reading frame but contains three in frame "start" (ATG) codons that divide the gene into three sections, pre-S1, pre-S2, and S. Because of the multiple start codons, polypeptides of three different sizes called large, middle, and small (pre-S1 + pre-S2 + S, pre-S2 + S, or S) are produced.[12] The function of the protein coded for by gene X is not fully understood.[13]

[edit] Replication

Hepatitis B virus replication .

The life cycle of Hepatitis B virus is complex. Hepatitis B is one of a few known non-retroviral viruses which use reverse transcription as a part of its replication process. The virus gains entry into the cell by binding to a receptor on the surface of the cell and enters it by endocytosis. Because the virus multiplies via RNA made by a host enzyme, the viral genomic DNA has to be transferred to the cell nucleus by host proteins called chaperones. The partially double stranded viral DNA is then made fully double stranded and transformed into covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) that serves as a template for transcription of four viral mRNAs. The largest mRNA, (which is longer than the viral genome), is used to make the new copies of the genome and to make the capsid core protein and the viral DNA polymerase. These four viral transcripts undergo additional processing and go on to form progeny virions which are released from the cell or returned to the nucleus and re-cycled to produce even more copies.[12][14] The long mRNA is then transported back to the cytoplasm where the virion P protein synthesizes DNA via its reverse transcriptase activity.

[edit] Serotypes

The virus is divided into four major serotypes (adr, adw, ayr, ayw) based on antigenic epitopes present on its envelope proteins, and into eight genotypes (A-H) according to overall nucleotide sequence variation of the genome. The genotypes have a distinct geographical distribution and are used in tracing the evolution and transmission of the virus. Differences between genotypes affect the disease severity, course and likelihood of complications, and response to treatment and possibly vaccination.[15][16]

[edit] Pathogenesis

Cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer may ensue from Hepatitis B.

The hepatitis B virus primarily interferes with the functions of the liver by replicating in liver cells, known as hepatocytes.

The receptor is not yet known, though there is evidence that the receptor in the closely related duck hepatitis B virus is carboxypeptidase D.[17][18] HBV virions (DANE particle) bind to the host cell via the preS domain of the viral surface antigen and are subsequently internalized by endocytosis. PreS and IgA receptors are accused of this interaction. HBV-preS specific receptors are primarily expressed on hepatocytes; however, viral DNA and proteins have also been detected in extrahepatic sites, suggesting that cellular receptors for HBV may also exist on extrahepatic cells.

During HBV infection, the host immune response causes both hepatocellular damage and viral clearance. Although the innate immune response does not play a significant role in these processes, the adaptive immune response, particularly virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), contributes to most of the liver injury associated with HBV infection. By killing infected cells and by producing antiviral cytokines capable of purging HBV from viable hepatocytes, CTLs eliminate the virus.[19] Although liver damage is initiated and mediated by the CTLs, antigen-nonspecific inflammatory cells can worsen CTL-induced immunopathology, and platelets activated at the site of infection may facilitate the accumulation of CTLs in the liver.[20]

[edit] Epidemiology

[edit] Prevalence

Prevalence of Hepatitis B virus as of 2005.

The primary method of transmission reflects the prevalence of chronic HBV infection in a given area. In low prevalence areas such as the continental United States and Western Europe, where less than 2% of the population is chronically infected, injection drug abuse and unprotected sex are the primary methods, although other factors may be important.[21] In moderate prevalence areas, which include Eastern Europe, Russia, and Japan, where 2-7% of the population is chronically infected, the disease is predominantly spread among children. In high prevalence areas such as China and South East Asia, transmission during childbirth is most common, although in other areas of high endemicity such as Africa, transmission during childhood is a significant factor.[22] The prevalence of chronic HBV infection in areas of high endemicity is at least 8%.

[edit] Transmission

Transmission of hepatitis B virus results from exposure to infectious blood or body fluids containing blood. Possible forms of transmission include (but are not limited to) unprotected sexual contact, blood transfusions, re-use of contaminated needles & syringes, and vertical transmission from mother to child during childbirth. Without intervention, a mother who is positive for HBsAg confers a 20% risk of passing the infection to her offspring at the time of birth. This risk is as high as 90% if the mother is also positive for HBeAg. HBV can be transmitted between family members within households, possibly by contact of nonintact skin or mucous membrane with secretions or saliva containing HBV.[23][24] However, at least 30% of reported hepatitis B among adults cannot be associated with an identifiable risk factor.[25]

[edit] Medical aspects

[edit] Prevention

HBsAg

Several vaccines have been developed for the prevention of hepatitis B virus infection. These rely on the use of one of the viral envelope proteins (hepatitis B surface antigen or HBsAg). The vaccine was originally prepared from plasma obtained from patients who had long-standing hepatitis B virus infection. However, currently, these are more often made using recombinant DNA technology, though plasma-derived vaccines continue to be used; the two types of vaccines are equally effective and safe.[26]

Following vaccination Hepatitis B Surface antigen may be detected in serum for several days; this is known as vaccine antigenaemia.[27] Vaccine is generally administered in either a two, three, or four dose schedules; and can be received by infants to adults. It provides protection for 85-90% of individuals,[28] and lasts for 23 years.[29]

Unlike Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B does not generally spread through water and food. Instead, it is transmitted through body fluids, from which prevention is taken to avoid: unprotected sexual contact, blood transfusions, re-use of contaminated needles and syringes, and vertical transmission during child birth. Infants may be vaccinated at birth.[30]

[edit] Symptoms

Acute infection with hepatitis B virus is associated with acute viral hepatitis - an illness that begins with general ill-health, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, body aches, mild fever, dark urine, and then progresses to development of jaundice. It has been noted that itchy skin has been an indication as a possible symptom of all hepatitis virus types. The illness lasts for a few weeks and then gradually improves in most affected people. A few patients may have more severe liver disease (fulminant hepatic failure), and may die as a result of it. The infection may be entirely asymptomatic and may go unrecognized.

Chronic infection with Hepatitis B virus may be either asymptomatic or may be associated with a chronic inflammation of the liver (chronic hepatitis), leading to cirrhosis over a period of several years. This type of infection dramatically increases the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Chronic carriers are encouraged to avoid consuming alcohol as it increases their risk for cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis B virus has been linked to the development of Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN).[31]

[edit] Diagnosis

Hepatitis B viral antigens and antibodies detectable in the blood following acute infection.
Hepatitis B viral antigens and antibodies detectable in the blood of a chronically infected person

The tests, called assays, for detection of hepatitis B virus infection involve serum or blood tests that detect either viral antigens (proteins produced by the virus) or antibodies produced by the host. Interpretation of these assays is complex.[9]

The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is most frequently used to screen for the presence of this infection. It is the first detectable viral antigen to appear during infection. However, early in an infection, this antigen may not be present and it may be undetectable later in the infection as it is being cleared by the host. The infectious virion contains an inner "core particle" enclosing viral genome. The icosahedral core particle is made of 180 or 240 copies of core protein, alternatively known as hepatitis B core antigen, or HBcAg. During this 'window' in which the host remains infected but is successfully clearing the virus, IgM antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc IgM) may be the only serological evidence of disease.

Shortly after the appearance of the HBsAg, another antigen named as the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) will appear. Traditionally, the presence of HBeAg in a host's serum is associated with much higher rates of viral replication and enhanced infectivity; however, variants of the hepatitis B virus do not produce the 'e' antigen, so this rule does not always hold true. During the natural course of an infection, the HBeAg may be cleared, and antibodies to the 'e' antigen (anti-HBe) will arise immediately afterwards. This conversion is usually associated with a dramatic decline in viral replication.

If the host is able to clear the infection, eventually the HBsAg will become undetectable and will be followed by IgG antibodies to the hepatitis B surface antigen and core antigen, (anti-HBs and anti HBc IgG).[7] A person negative for HBsAg but positive for anti-HBs has either cleared an infection or has been vaccinated previously.

Individuals who remain HBsAg positive for at least six months are considered to be hepatitis B carriers.[32] Carriers of the virus may have chronic hepatitis B, which would be reflected by elevated serum alanine aminotransferase levels and inflammation of the liver, as revealed by biopsy. Carriers who have seroconverted to HBeAg negative status, particularly those who acquired the infection as adults, have very little viral multiplication and hence may be at little risk of long-term complications or of transmitting infection to others.[33]

More recently, PCR tests have been developed to detect and measure the amount of viral nucleic acid in clinical specimens. These tests are called viral loads and are used to assess a person's infection status and to monitor treatment.[34]

[edit] Prognosis

Hepatitis B virus infection may either be acute (self-limiting) or chronic (long-standing). Persons with self-limiting infection clear the infection spontaneously within weeks to months.

Children are less likely than adults to clear the infection. More than 95% of people who become infected as adults or older children will stage a full recovery and develop protective immunity to the virus. However, only 5% of newborns that acquire the infection from their mother at birth will clear the infection. This population has a 40% lifetime risk of death from cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. [35] Of those infected between the age of one to six, 70% will clear the infection.[36]

Hepatitis D infection can only occur with a concomitant infection with Hepatitis B virus because the Hepatitis D virus uses the Hepatitis B virus surface antigen to form a capsid.[37] Co-infection with hepatitis D increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.[38] Polyarteritis nodosa is more common in people with hepatitis B infection.

[edit] Treatment

Acute hepatitis B infection does not usually require treatment because most adults clear the infection spontaneously.[39] Early antiviral treatment may only be required in fewer than 1% of patients, whose infection takes a very aggressive course ("fulminant hepatitis") or who are immunocompromised. On the other hand, treatment of chronic infection may be necessary to reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Chronically infected individuals with persistently elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, a marker of liver damage, and HBV DNA levels are candidates for therapy.[40]

Although none of the available drugs can clear the infection, they can stop the virus from replicating, and minimize liver damage such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Currently, there are seven medications licensed for treatment of hepatitis B infection in the United States. These include antiviral drugs lamivudine (Epivir), adefovir (Hepsera), tenofovir (Viread), telbivudine (Tyzeka) and entecavir (Baraclude) and the two immune system modulators interferon alpha-2a and pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys). The use of interferon, which requires injections daily or thrice weekly, has been supplanted by long-acting pegylated interferon, which is injected only once weekly.[35] However, some individuals are much more likely to respond than others and this might be because of the genotype of the infecting virus or the patient's heredity. The treatment works by reducing the viral load, (the amount of virus particles as measured in the blood), which in turn reduces viral replication in the liver.

Infants born to mothers known to carry hepatitis B can be treated with antibodies to the hepatitis B virus (hepatitis B immune globulin or HBIg). When given with the vaccine within twelve hours of birth, the risk of acquiring hepatitis B is reduced 95%. This treatment allows a mother to safely breastfeed her child.

[edit] Reactivation

Hepatitis B virus DNA persists in the body after infection and in some people the disease recurs.[41] Although rare, reactivation is seen most often in people with impaired immunity.[42]

Hepatitis B goes through cycles of replication and non-replication. Approximately 50% of patients experience acute reactivation. Male patients with baseline ALT of 200 UL/L are three times more likely to develop a reactivation than patients with lower levels. Patients who undergo chemotherapy are at risk for HBV reactivation. The current view are that immunosuppressive drugs favor increased HBV replication while inhibiting cytotoxic T cell function in the liver.[43]

[edit] History

The earliest record of an epidemic caused by Hepatitis B virus was made by Lurman in 1885.[44] An outbreak of smallpox occurred in Bremen in 1883 and 1,289 shipyard employees were vaccinated with lymph from other people. After several weeks, and up to eight months later, 191 of the vaccinated workers became ill with jaundice and were diagnosed as suffering from serum hepatitis. Other employees who had been inoculated with different batches of lymph remained healthy. Lurman's paper, now regarded as a classical example of an epidemiological study, proved that contaminated lymph was the source of the outbreak. Later, numerous similar outbreaks were reported following the introduction, in 1909, of hypodermic needles that were used, and more importantly reused, for administering Salvarsan for the treatment of syphilis. The virus was not discovered until 1965 when Baruch Blumberg, then working at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), discovered the Australia antigen (later known to be Hepatitis B surface antigen, or HBsAg) in the blood of Australian aboriginal people.[45] Although a virus had been suspected since the research published by MacCallum in 1947[46], D.S. Dane and others discovered the virus particle in 1970 by electron microscopy.[47] By the early 1980s the genome of the virus had been sequenced,[48] and the first vaccines were being tested.[49]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Barker LF, Shulman NR, Murray R, et al (1996). "Transmission of serum hepatitis. 1970". JAMA 276 (10): 841–4. doi:10.1001/jama.276.10.841. PMID 8769597. 
  2. ^ Williams R (2006). "Global challenges in liver disease". Hepatology 44 (3): 521–6. doi:10.1002/hep.21347. PMID 16941687. 
  3. ^ WHO | Hepatitis B
  4. ^ FAQ about Hepatitis B, Stanford University School of Medicine
  5. ^ Chang MH (2007). "Hepatitis B virus infection". Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 12 (3): 160–7. doi:10.1016/j.siny.2007.01.013. PMID 17336170. 
  6. ^ Pungpapong S, Kim WR, Poterucha JJ (2007). "Natural history of hepatitis B virus infection: an update for clinicians". Mayo Clin. Proc. 82 (8): 967–75. doi:10.4065/82.8.967. PMID 17673066. 
  7. ^ a b c Zuckerman AJ (1996). Hepatitis Viruses. In: Baron's Medical Microbiology (Baron S et al, eds.) (4th ed.). Univ of Texas Medical Branch. ISBN 0-9631172-1-1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=mmed.section.3738. 
  8. ^ a b Locarnini S (2004). "Molecular virology of hepatitis B virus". Semin. Liver Dis. 24 Suppl 1: 3–10. doi:10.1055/s-2004-828672. PMID 15192795. 
  9. ^ a b Bonino F, Chiaberge E, Maran E, Piantino P (1987). "Serological markers of HBV infectivity". Ann. Ist. Super. Sanita 24 (2): 217–23. PMID 3331068. 
  10. ^ Howard CR (1986). "The biology of hepadnaviruses". J. Gen. Virol. 67 ( Pt 7): 1215–35. doi:10.1099/0022-1317-67-7-1215. PMID 3014045. 
  11. ^ Kay A, Zoulim F (2007). "Hepatitis B virus genetic variability and evolution". Virus Res. 127 (2): 164–76. doi:10.1016/j.virusres.2007.02.021. PMID 17383765. 
  12. ^ a b Beck J, Nassal M (2007). "Hepatitis B virus replication". World J. Gastroenterol. 13 (1): 48–64. PMID 17206754. 
  13. ^ Bouchard MJ, Schneider RJ (2004). "The enigmatic X gene of hepatitis B virus". J. Virol. 78 (23): 12725–34. doi:10.1128/JVI.78.23.12725-12734.2004. PMID 15542625. 
  14. ^ Bruss V (2007). "Hepatitis B virus morphogenesis". World J. Gastroenterol. 13 (1): 65–73. PMID 17206755. 
  15. ^ Kramvis A, Kew M, François G (2005). "Hepatitis B virus genotypes". Vaccine 23 (19): 2409–23. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2004.10.045. PMID 15752827. 
  16. ^ Magnius LO, Norder H (1995). "Subtypes, genotypes and molecular epidemiology of the hepatitis B virus as reflected by sequence variability of the S-gene". Intervirology 38 (1-2): 24–34. PMID 8666521. 
  17. ^ Tong S, Li J, Wands JR (October 1999). "Carboxypeptidase D is an avian hepatitis B virus receptor". J. Virol. 73 (10): 8696–702. PMID 10482623. PMC: 112890. http://jvi.asm.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=10482623. 
  18. ^ Glebe D, Urban S (January 2007). "Viral and cellular determinants involved in hepadnaviral entry". World J. Gastroenterol. 13 (1): 22–38. PMID 17206752. http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/13/22.asp. 
  19. ^ Iannacone M, Sitia G, Ruggeri ZM, Guidotti LG (2007). "HBV pathogenesis in animal models: recent advances on the role of platelets". J. Hepatol. 46 (4): 719–26. doi:10.1016/j.jhep.2007.01.007. PMID 17316876. 
  20. ^ Iannacone M, Sitia G, Isogawa M, Marchese P, Castro M, Lowenstein P, Chisari F, Ruggeri Z, Guidotti L (2005). "Platelets mediate cytotoxic T lymphocyte-induced liver damage". Nature Medicine 11 (11): 1167–1169. doi:10.1038/nm1317. PMID 16258538. http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/v11/n11/abs/nm1317.html. 
  21. ^ Redd JT, Baumbach J, Kohn W, et al. (2007). "Patient-to-patient transmission of hepatitis B virus associated with oral surgery" (PDF). J Infect Dis 195 (9): 1311–4. doi:10.1086/513435. http://www.osap.org/associations/4930/files/HBV%20patient%20transmission%20rept.jid.pdf. Retrieved on 2007-12-12. 
  22. ^ Alter MJ (2003). "Epidemiology and prevention of hepatitis B". Semin. Liver Dis. 23 (1): 39–46. doi:10.1055/s-2003-37583. PMID 12616449. 
  23. ^ Petersen NJ, Barrett DH, Bond WW, Berquist KR, Favero MS, Bender TR, Maynard JE (1976). "Hepatitis B surface antigen in saliva, impetiginous lesions, and the environment in two remote Alaskan villages". Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 32 (4): 572–574. PMID 791124. 
  24. ^ http://www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas/diseases/hepb
  25. ^ Shapiro CN (1993). "Epidemiology of hepatitis B". Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. 12 (5): 433–7. PMID 8392167. 
  26. ^ Zuckerman JN (2006). "Vaccination against hepatitis A and B: developments, deployment and delusions". Curr. Opin. Infect. Dis. 19 (5): 456–9. doi:10.1097/01.qco.0000244051.23511.09. PMID 16940869. 
  27. ^ Martín-Ancel A, Casas ML, Bonet B (2004). "Implications of postvaccination hepatitis B surface antigenemia in the management of exposures to body fluids". Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 25 (7): 611–3. doi:10.1086/502449. PMID 15301037. 
  28. ^ Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (2006). "Chapter 18 Hepatitis B" (PDF). Immunisation Against Infectious Disease 2006 ("The Green Book") (3rd edition (Chapter 18 revised 10 October 2007) ed.). Edinburgh: Stationery Office. pp. 468. ISBN 0113225288. 
  29. ^ Mayo Clinic Staff (2008-10-03). "Hepatitis B: Prevention - MayoClinic.com". MayoClinic.com. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hepatitis-b/DS00398/DSECTION=prevention. Retrieved on 2009-01-30. 
  30. ^ O'Connor, John (2008-10-03). "Hepatitis B Prevention - The Body". Body Health Resources Corporation. http://www.thebody.com/content/art17089.html. Retrieved on 2009-01-30. 
  31. ^ Lai KN, Li PK, Lui SF, et al (May 1991). "Membranous nephropathy related to hepatitis B virus in adults". N. Engl. J. Med. 324 (21): 1457–63. PMID 2023605. 
  32. ^ Lok AS, McMahon BJ (2007). "Chronic hepatitis B". Hepatology 45 (2): 507–39. doi:10.1002/hep.21513. PMID 17256718. 
  33. ^ Chu CM, Liaw YF (2007). "Predictive factors for reactivation of hepatitis B following hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B". Gastroenterology 133 (5): 1458–65. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2007.08.039. PMID 17935720. 
  34. ^ Zoulim F (2006). "New nucleic acid diagnostic tests in viral hepatitis". Semin. Liver Dis. 26 (4): 309–17. doi:10.1055/s-2006-951602. PMID 17051445. 
  35. ^ a b Dienstag JL (2008). "Hepatitis B Virus Infection". New England Journal of Medicine 359 (14): 1486–1500. doi:10.1056/NEJMra0801644. PMID 18832247. http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/359/14/1486. 
  36. ^ Kerkar N (2005). "Hepatitis B in children: complexities in management". Pediatric transplantation 9 (5): 685–91. doi:10.1111/j.1399-3046.2005.00393.x. PMID 16176431. 
  37. ^ Taylor JM (2006). "Hepatitis delta virus". Virology 344 (1): 71–6. doi:10.1016/j.virol.2005.09.033. PMID 16364738. 
  38. ^ Oliveri F, Brunetto MR, Actis GC, Bonino F (1991). "Pathobiology of chronic hepatitis virus infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)". The Italian journal of gastroenterology 23 (8): 498–502. PMID 1661197. 
  39. ^ Hollinger FB, Lau DT (2006). "Hepatitis B: the pathway to recovery through treatment". Gastroenterol. Clin. North Am. 35 (4): 895–931. doi:10.1016/j.gtc.2006.10.002. PMID 17129820. 
  40. ^ Lai CL, Yuen MF (2007). "The natural history and treatment of chronic hepatitis B: a critical evaluation of standard treatment criteria and end points". Ann. Intern. Med. 147 (1): 58–61. PMID 17606962. 
  41. ^ Vierling JM (November 2007). "The immunology of hepatitis B". Clin Liver Dis 11 (4): 727–59, vii–viii. doi:10.1016/j.cld.2007.08.001. PMID 17981227. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1089-3261(07)00081-5. 
  42. ^ Katz LH, Fraser A, Gafter-Gvili A, Leibovici L, Tur-Kaspa R (February 2008). "Lamivudine prevents reactivation of hepatitis B and reduces mortality in immunosuppressed patients: systematic review and meta-analysis". J. Viral Hepat. 15 (2): 89–102. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2893.2007.00902.x. PMID 18184191. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/openurl?genre=article&sid=nlm:pubmed&issn=1352-0504&date=2008&volume=15&issue=2&spage=89. 
  43. ^ Bonacini, Maurizio, MD. "Hepatitis B Reactivation". University of Southern California Department of Surgery. http://www.surgery.usc.edu/divisions/hep/livernewsletter-reactivationofhepatitisb.html. Retrieved on 2009-01-24. 
  44. ^ Lurman A. (1885) Eine icterus epidemic. (In German). Berl Klin Woschenschr 22:20–3.
  45. ^ Alter HJ, Blumberg BS (1966). "Further studies on a "new" human isoprecipitin system (Australia antigen)". Blood 27 (3): 297–309. PMID 5930797. 
  46. ^ MacCallum, F.O., Homologous serum hepatitis. Lancet 2, 691, (1947)
  47. ^ Dane DS, Cameron CH, Briggs M (1970). "Virus-like particles in serum of patients with Australia-antigen-associated hepatitis". Lancet 1 (7649): 695–8. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(70)90926-8. PMID 4190997. 
  48. ^ Galibert F, Mandart E, Fitoussi F, Tiollais P, Charnay P (1979). "Nucleotide sequence of the hepatitis B virus genome (subtype ayw) cloned in E. coli". Nature 281 (5733): 646–50. doi:10.1038/281646a0. PMID 399327. 
  49. ^ "Hepatitis B vaccine". Lancet 2 (8206): 1229–30. 1980. PMID 6108398. 

[edit] External links

Personal tools