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.
Hess
G
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Boehringer Mannheim, Germany.
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