Hepatitis B
Description
- Partially dsDNA hepadnavirus; replicates through an RNA intermediate via error-prone reverse transcriptase
- cccDNA in the hepatocyte nucleus = persistent template
- Why NA therapy suppresses but never cures - stopping usually means relapse
- Antigens
- HBsAg - surface; envelope. Defines current infection
- HBcAg - core. Not detectable in serum (antibody is)
- HBeAg - non-structural, secreted; marker of active replication, tracks HBV DNA
- Integrates into host hepatocyte DNA -> direct oncogenesis, HCC without cirrhosis
- Genotypes A-J; C = worse outcomes, higher HCC (predominant East Asia)
- Genotype C4 essentially unique to Aboriginal Australians in the NT
6 more sections, plus exam facts
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