Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
04:11

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA

Published on: December 15, 2023

Hepatitis B viral factors and clinical outcomes of chronic hepatitis B

Chih-Lin Lin1, Jia-Horng Kao

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Ren-Ai branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Journal of Biomedical Science
|December 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection progression is influenced by viral factors. Serum HBV DNA levels, genotype, and specific mutations like BCP and pre-S deletions predict outcomes such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health issue, leading to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
  • The natural history of chronic HBV infection involves dynamic phases, with flares and HBeAg seroconversion impacting disease progression.
  • Early HBeAg seroconversion generally indicates a favorable outcome, while delayed or absent seroconversion accelerates liver disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and clarify the influence of hepatitis B viral factors on the disease progression of chronic hepatitis B.
  • To identify key viral factors that predict clinical outcomes in HBV-infected individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies identifying hepatitis B viral factors predictive of clinical outcomes.
  • Analysis of the association between HBV DNA levels, genotype, and specific mutations with disease progression.

Main Results:

  • Serum HBV DNA level is a significant predictor of adverse outcomes, including cirrhosis, HCC, and liver disease-related death.
  • HBV genotype C, basal core promoter (BCP) mutants, and pre-S deletion mutants are linked to an elevated risk of HCC development.
  • Hepatitis flares during the immune clearance or reactivation phase can predict disease progression.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis B viral factors, including serum HBV DNA level, genotype, and specific mutants, significantly influence the progression of chronic hepatitis B.
  • Further research is necessary to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the impact of each viral factor on disease progression.

More Related Videos

Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection11:14

Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection

Published on: November 7, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder01:26

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology01:21

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and irreversible inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, but it can also be related to ductal obstruction, smoking, or genetic factors.Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is repeatedly exposed to harmful agents like alcohol, smoking, ductal obstruction, or genetic predisposition. These factors lead to the release of toxic metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, sustaining chronic inflammation in the pancreatic...
Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors01:16

Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors

The biliary system of the liver, crucial for bile secretion and drug excretion, comprises intrahepatic bile ducts that merge to form the common hepatic duct. This duct, carrying hepatic bile, combines with the cystic duct, draining the gallbladder and forming the common bile duct, which empties into the duodenum. Bile, produced by hepatic cells lining the bile canaliculi, is composed primarily of water, bile salts, pigments, electrolytes, and lesser amounts of cholesterol and fatty acids. Bile...