Evolutionary biology of human hepatitis viruses

Approximately 1.3 million people die annually from viral hepatitis worldwide [1]. These deaths are linked to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resulting from chronic infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV; 887,000 deaths) and hepatitis C virus (HCV; 399,000 deaths) [2], as well as hepatitis and liver failure resulting from acute infections with hepatitis A virus (HAV; 11,000 deaths) and hepatitis E virus (HEV; 44,000 deaths) [1]. Approximately 5% of HBV-infected persons worldwide are simultaneously infected with hepatitis delta virus (HDV) [1,3].
Source: Journal of Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research