Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

An enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus. It is acquired from blood or sexually. The acute phase of infection is marked by jaundice, weakness, fatigue, fever, and nausea. Some patients develop a chronic HBV infection characterized by an inflammatory process that can lead to Cirrhosis and is also known to cause cancer of the liver. HCW occupational concern. There is a vaccine for HBV which has proven to be very successful..