Acute hepatitis B is an acute viral hepatitis caused by the hepatitis B virus, capable of producing both self-limited disease and progression to chronic viral hepatitis [1]. It represents the acute primary infection phase of hepatitis B virus exposure [2].
Disease overview
Evidence-backed information EN 5/7 applicable sections · ZH 5/7 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Acute hepatitis B is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus that can present as a self-limited illness but may progress to chronic infection in some cases [1]. It is associated with severe liver disease and chronic sequelae in certain patients [2].
Read the full clinical and epidemiological profile 6
The illness is usually self-limited, though it may be associated with severe liver disease in some affected individuals [1][2]. A subset of patients experience chronic sequelae following acute infection [2].
Routine vaccination of infants has greatly reduced the incidence of hepatitis A in the United States [1]. Routine vaccination and universal screening of pregnant women has decreased the transmission of hepatitis B virus [1].
Hepatitis B virus is transmitted in ways that allow routine vaccination and universal screening of pregnant women to decrease its spread [1]. The virus can cause both acute and chronic viral hepatitis through person-to-person infectious routes [1].
Routine vaccination of infants and universal screening of pregnant women have reduced hepatitis B virus transmission [1]. Vaccination is recommended for all infants and for adults at increased risk of infection [1].
- 1 Thuener J et al. Hepatitis A and B Infections. Prim Care. 2017 Dec. PMID: 29132524. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2017.07.005. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29132524/
- 2 Henriquez-Camacho C et al. Lamivudine and Entecavir for Acute Hepatitis B: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Viruses. 2023 Nov 10. PMID: 38005918. doi: 10.3390/v15112241. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38005918/
- B16
- 1E50.1
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Showing 5 of 11 related publications.
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