HEPATITIS B VIRUS: TRANSMISSION ROUTES, CLINICAL COURSE AND PREVENTION
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains one of the most significant global public health challenges. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 296 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection in 2019, with approximately 1.5 million new infections annually [1]. HBV is a DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family and primarily affects hepatocytes, leading to both acute and chronic liver disease. Transmission occurs predominantly through blood, sexual contact, and perinatal exposure. The clinical spectrum ranges from asymptomatic infection to acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, and universal immunization programs have significantly reduced incidence rates in many countries. This article reviews the structure of HBV, its transmission pathways, clinical manifestations, preventive strategies, and the epidemiological situation in Uzbekistan based on verified scientific sources.
Keywords
Hepatitis B virus, HBV structure, blood transmission, sexual transmission, acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, vaccination, epidemiology, Uzbekistan.
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