Hepatitis B: New Research

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a problem of global health importance and represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality world-wide. HBV can be transmitted parenterally, sexually and perinatally. Despite progress on prophylaxis, diagnostic and treatment of HBV infection, it remains one of the major causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. This book presents a compilation of current research including such topics as Hepatitis B and dialysis; Hepatitis B virus infection among middle school students in South Brazil; genotyping and management of chronic Hepatitis B; the risk assessment for Hepatitis B infection and its role in hepatocellular carcinoma; and silencing Hepatitis B virus replication with antiviral Pri-Mir shuttles generated from liver-specific Pol II promoters.