Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) was discovered by Blumberg in 1965. HBV is a small DNA virus with a surface protein, so called Australian antigen.
HBV causes viral hepatitis B, the acute form can go on to a chronic form in some cases. At present interferons and nucleoside analogs are potent drugs used for chronic hepatitis B therapy.
Specific prevention of hepatitis B is performed by vaccination.