Hepatitis B: Understanding the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

The causative organism of Hepatitis B is the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV is a partially double-stranded DNA virus with an outer lipid envelope and an inner core containing the viral DNA genome. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids, such as semen and vaginal fluids. HBV infection can cause acute and chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.