Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
10:28
A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
Published on: June 26, 2020
9.4K
Hepatitis delta virus: a peculiar virus.
Carolina Alves1, Cristina Branco, Celso Cunha
1Medical Microbiology Unit, Center for Malaria and Tropical Diseases, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Nova University, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal.
Advances in Virology
|November 8, 2013
Summary
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) causes severe viral hepatitis and requires hepatitis B virus for replication. This review compiles current knowledge on HDV
Area of Science:
- * Virology
- * Infectious Diseases
- * Gastroenterology
Background:
- * Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a globally prevalent pathogen linked to severe viral hepatitis.
- * HDV is a unique satellite RNA virus that relies on hepatitis B surface antigens for its envelope and propagation.
- * Despite its small genome (1.7 Kb), HDV exhibits complex biology with many unknown aspects.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To consolidate current epidemiological data on HDV.
- * To review the clinical manifestations associated with HDV infection.
- * To synthesize available information regarding HDV's unique biological characteristics and life cycle.
Main Methods:
- * Comprehensive literature review of existing studies on HDV.
- * Synthesis of data from epidemiological surveys.
- * Analysis of clinical case reports and biological studies.
Main Results:
- * HDV exhibits worldwide distribution, contributing to severe hepatitis cases.
- * The virus depends on hepatitis B surface antigens for its replication cycle.
- * Key biological features and life cycle stages of HDV require further elucidation.
Conclusions:
- * HDV represents a significant global health concern due to its association with severe hepatitis.
- * Understanding HDV's dependence on HBV is crucial for therapeutic strategies.
- * Further research is necessary to fully unravel the complex biology and life cycle of this small but potent virus.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
99
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.
99
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
28
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...
28
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
1.5K
RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
1.5K
01:29Viruses of Archaea
714
Archaeal viruses play a crucial role in the ecosystems of extremophilic archaea, particularly those belonging to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. By shaping host evolution and facilitating gene transfer, these viruses influence microbial communities and contribute to genetic diversity in extreme environments. The archaea they infect thrive in acidic hot springs and hydrothermal vents characterized by high temperatures and low pH. Archaeal viruses exhibit remarkable structural...
714
01:29Subviral Agents
940
Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. These agents include viroids, prions, and satellites, each possessing distinct structural and functional characteristics that influence their mode of infection and replication.Viroids are the simplest subviral agents, consisting of circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without a protein coat. They exclusively infect plants, relying entirely...
940
02:33Retroviruses
12.2K
Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
12.2K