What is unique about the hepatitis B replication cycle?

The HBV life cycle is unique in that the genomic DNA (relaxed-circular partially double-stranded DNA: rcDNA) is converted to a molecular template DNA (covalently closed circular DNA: cccDNA) to amplify a viral RNA intermediate, which is then reverse-transcribed back to viral DNA.

Does hepatitis B use reverse transcriptase?

Hepatitis B viruses (hepadnaviruses) replicate their DNA genomes by reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate.

What is hepatitis B mode of transmission?

Hepatitis B Information Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact; sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment; or from mother to baby at birth.

What is the most common mode of transmission of hepatitis B?

The virus is most commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery, as well as through contact with blood or other body fluids during sex with an infected partner, unsafe injections or exposures to sharp instruments.

Who identify the hepatitis B virus?

The hepatitis B virus was discovered in 1965 by Dr. Baruch Blumberg who won the Nobel Prize for his discovery. Originally, the virus was called the “Australia Antigen” because it was named for an Australian aborigine’s blood sample that reacted with an antibody in the serum of an American hemophilia patient.

Is hepatitis B single or double stranded?

Although HBV is among the smallest viruses in terms of virion and genome size, it has numerous unique features that make it completely distinct from other DNA viruses. It has a partially double stranded DNA with highly complex genome organization, life cycle and natural history.

Does hepatitis B use integrase?

The DNA form of Hepatitis B virus is found as an independent episome as opposed to being integrated into cellular DNA, as is the case with retroviruses. This is because hepadnaviruses have no integrase activity.

Is hepatitis B virus a retrovirus?

Hepatitis B is one of a few known non-retroviral viruses which use reverse transcription as a part of its replication process. The virus gains entry into the cell by binding to receptors on the surface of the cell and entering it by endocytosis mediated by either clathrin or caveolin-1.

Is hepatitis B can be transmitted through saliva?

Hepatitis B is not spread through sneezing, coughing, hugging, or breastfeeding. Although the virus can be found in saliva, it is not believed to be spread through kissing or sharing utensils.

What should hepatitis B patients avoid?

Limit foods containing saturated fats including fatty cuts of meat and foods fried in oil. Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish (e.g. clams, mussels, oysters, scallops) because they could be contaminated with a bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus, which is very toxic to the liver and could cause a lot of damage.

What is the best treatment for hepatitis B?

Treatment for chronic hepatitis B may include: Antiviral medications. Several antiviral medications — including entecavir (Baraclude), tenofovir (Viread), lamivudine (Epivir), adefovir (Hepsera) and telbivudine (Tyzeka) — can help fight the virus and slow its ability to damage your liver.

Can Hbsag positive become negative?

Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. Normal results are negative or nonreactive, meaning that no hepatitis B surface antigen was found. If your test is positive or reactive, it may mean you are actively infected with HBV.