Virological and serological aspects of hepatitis B and the delta agent.
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) belongs to a group of viruses termed hepadnaviruses. The 3.2 kb genome encodes for a variety of proteins involved in viral replication (p-gene), transactivation (x-gene), or encodes for structural proteins (c- and s-genes). Several viral and non-viral functions determine the clinical course of HBV infection. The hepatitis D virus resembles a viroid and requires the HBV as a helper virus. The interaction between the viruses is not well understood. More information on the interaction between the human host and viruses is needed to help improve the treatment.
Boehringer Mannheim, Germany.
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D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000382:microbiology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000382:microbiology*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D003698:Hepatitis Delta Virus; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000382:microbiology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000382:microbiology; D014779:Virus Replication