Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a short-term illness with an incubation period of 45 to 180 days, typically presenting with symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and elevated liver enzymes, and may progress to chronic infection if HBsAg persists beyond six months. Chronic HBV infection is a long-term condition that can lead to serious complications including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, often remaining asymptomatic and undiagnosed for years. Most adults with acute HBV recover spontaneously and develop lifelong immunity, while only about 1% develop acute liver failure. Universal vaccination of newborns has reduced incidence, but many adults remain unvaccinated and at risk. Antiviral therapy is generally not required for acute HBV due to high spontaneous recovery rates, though it may be considered in cases of severe acute liver failure.