Ch 22 Flashcards
(188 cards)
How many genotypes does HBV have?
HBV has 8 genotypes (A–H), based on genetic sequence variation.
How much higher is the risk of liver cancer (HCC) in HBV carriers?
200 times higher than in non-carriers
What is the risk of chronic infection in maternal-neonatal HBV transmission?
70–90% of newborns infected at birth develop chronic infection.
What are the main routes of HBV transmission?
•Sexual
•Parenteral (via blood, e.g. needles)
•Perinatal (mother to baby at birth)
How long can HBV survive outside the body and still cause infection?
At least 7 days
Which non-human primate is susceptible to HBV?
Only chimpanzees, but they are no longer used in research due to ethical concerns
What type of genome does HBV have?
A partially double-stranded circular DNA genome in an enveloped virion.
How does HBV replicate?
It replicates through an RNA intermediate using a reverse transcriptase enzyme.
What enzyme does HBV encode and carry?
Reverse transcriptase, which converts RNA back into DNA.
What is the role of HBV viral proteins?
They are antigenic and clinically important for:
•Diagnosis
•Predicting disease severity
•Monitoring treatment
Where does HBV primarily infect?
It has a strict tropism for the liver, but markers can be found in lymphoid tissues (spleen, lymph nodes).
What is HBsAg, and what is special about its production?
HBsAg = surface antigen, produced in large amounts without DNA, and used in diagnostic tests.
Can HBV DNA integrate into the host genome?
Yes, viral DNA can integrate, which may lead to chronic disease or liver cancer.
What type of genome does HDV have?
Small, circular, single-stranded RNA genome (~1700 nucleotides).
Why does the HDV genome form a rod-like shape?
Due to extensive internal base pairing within the RNA strand.
What surrounds the HDV RNA genome?
The delta antigen protein.
What does the HDV envelope contain?
HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen), borrowed from HBV.
Why does HDV depend on HBV?
Because HDV needs HBsAg from HBV to form its envelope and become infectious.
What are the two forms of delta antigen?
Small (24 kDa) and Large (27 kDa).
What is the function of the small delta antigen (24 kDa)?
It promotes viral replication.
What is the function of the large delta antigen (27 kDa)?
It helps in viral assembly and interaction with HBsAg.
Why does HDV need HBV to replicate?
Because HDV uses HBsAg from HBV to enter cells and form its envelope.
What is the difference between co-infection and superinfection in HDV?
• Co-infection: HBV and HDV infect the person at the same time.
• Superinfection: HDV infects someone who already has chronic HBV.
Which is more severe: co-infection or superinfection?
Superinfection is more severe and can lead to worse liver damage.