The hepatitis B virus is one of the causes of hepatitis, which is an inflammation of liver cells. Eight different genotypes of the hepatitis B virus (hepatitis B type a to h) are known. The liver is a vital organ which exhibits remarkable regenerative capacities. It filters the nutrients that are absorbed by the intestine and transforms them. It transforms and eliminates drugs and drugs, alcohol and other toxins. It produces the bile which is necessary for the digestion of fat. It produces cholesterol and proteins including those involved in blood clotting. With hepatitis, bilirubin can build up in the blood and cause jaundice.

Possible course of hepatitis B

A distinction is made between acute hepatitis, which lasts less than 6 months, and chronic hepatitis, which lasts longer. It is an infection which can be very serious, and lead among others to cirrhosis of the liver, cancer, and liver failure with multiple neurological, hematological and renal complications.

Hepatitis B is fatal in about 1% of cases, and this occurs mostly in people 60 years of age and over.

Chronic infection is inversely proportional to age. More than 90% of infected newborns will progress to chronicity compared to less than 5% in adolescents and adults.

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are the two most common causes of chronic hepatitis.