ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS

Hepatitis B is a dangerous infectious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), affecting approximately 254 million people worldwide. The disease is transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and mother-to-child transmission. Occurring in both acute and chronic forms, untreated Hepatitis B may lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Diagnostic methods mainly include testing for HBsAg, HBV DNA, and liver enzyme levels. Chronic Hepatitis B is controlled using antiviral medications such as Tenofovir and Entecavir. The most reliable preventive measure is the three-dose vaccine, which has an effectiveness rate of 95–98%. In Uzbekistan, the Hepatitis B vaccine is included in the national immunization schedule and is mandatory for newborns.