HBV is an enveloped virus with a circular, partially double-stranded DNA genome.
HBV-associated liver damage is caused by the host immune response, not direct cytopathic effects.
HBV is one of the leading causes of infectious disease-related morbidity and mortality worldwide.
HBV is transmitted through percutaneous, sexual, and perinatal routes.
Infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers have a 90% risk of developing chronic HBV infection if infected perinatally.
HDV is an RNA virus that can only infect cells in the presence of HBV and is efficiently transmitted percutaneously.