Definition: HBV is the abbreviation for "hepatitis B virus." HBV is the liver-infecting virus that causes the acute (sudden and sometimes short-lived) and chronic (long-lasting) forms of hepatitis B. Most adults with acute hepatitis B will recover without complications. However, people who develop acute hepatitis at a young age are more at risk for developing chronic hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to complications such as cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
To learn more about HBV, the article Hepatitis B Virus Infection has information about symptoms, diagnosis and prevention. HBV is one of five common hepatitis viruses. The others are hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis D (HDV) and hepatitis E (HEV).
Also Known As: hepatitis B virus
