Hepatitis B Virus

Hepatitis B is also known as serum hepatitis and is spread through blood and sexual contact. It is seen with increased frequency among intravenous drug users who share needles and among the homosexual population. This photograph is an electronmicroscopic image of hepatitis B virus particles. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)

Digestive System

The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

Aggressive Hepatitis

Chronic active hepatitis is a liver disease caused by infection, drug ingestion, metabolic or autoimmune disorders. Necrosis (death) of liver cells, inflammation and fibrosis may lead to liver failure. Death within 5 years of onset occurs in 40 to 50% of patients.

Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome on the Leg

Gianotti-Crosti disease is associated with hepatitis B infection and is also called acrodermatitis of childhood. These red, elevated lesions (papules) do not contain pus (non-purulent) and can occur on the extremities, buttocks, face, and neck. A similar appearing condition is associated with other types of infection an is referred to as a syndrome rather than a disease. (Other diseases include RSV, EBV, cytomegalovirus, coxsackie, streptococcus and several others)

Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for people who are at higher risk, including people who live with someone with hepatitis B and healthcare workers. The hepatitis B virus can damage liver cells which can cause inflammation and impaired function of the liver.