Hepatitis BHepatitis B is a DNA viral infection that causes damage and inflammation of the liver. It was first discovered in 1965 by Dr. Baruch Blumberg. The HBV virus is highly contagious and is even considered the most serious form of viral hepatitis and the most common viral infection on Earth. “HBV is 100 times more contagious than HIV. » (Green, 2002, p. 7) The virus can survive for about a week outside the body on a dry surface. According to Green (2002, p. 7), “one in twenty Americans has been infected with the virus at some point in their life.” According to Green (2002, p. 8), 75% of new HBV infections occur between the ages of 15 and 39. There are four phases of hepatitis B: infection, inflammation, fibrosis and cirrhosis. In the first phase, HBV invades the liver and travels to the nucleus, where it releases its DNA and polymerase contents into the environment. It then travels to the components and enzymes of the cell. The polymerase acts on liver cells to make segments of HBV DNA from RNA. The virus causes liver cells to create replacement parts for other HBV viruses. Aftershocks are released from liver cells into the bloodstream, destroying the host cell and infecting other healthy liver cells. This entire process can take a few hours, but must continue several times for serious damage to occur. The second phase is inflammation. Inflammation is caused by lymphocytes trying to get rid of the virus, but they also release harmful chemicals that damage cells and help damage the liver. The third phase is fibrosis. Fibrosis is scar tissue caused by inflammation and chronic infection. According to Everson and Weinburg (2002, p. 64) "Only 5% of 10% of people develop chronic hepatitis B because of acute hepatitis... middle of article ...... after taking this medicine. One of the main concerns with this treatment is the development of kidney problems, but these are usually reversible after stopping treatment. “Approximately 90 to 95% of adults with hepatitis B recover and remain immune to reinfection throughout their lives” (Everson and Weinburg, 2002, p. 142-143). The ultrasound appearance varies depending on whether the hepatitis is acute or chronic. . In acute hepatitis, you will see a normal texture or the portal veins will be more prominent. The liver appears hypoechoic. Attenuation may be present in acute hepatitis. The walls of the gallbladder are thickened and hepatosplenomegaly. In chronic hepatitis, the parenchyma will appear coarse with decreased brightness of the portal triad. Attention is not as great in chronic hepatitis. Fibrosis may occur with soft shadows. The size of the liver is reduced and appears hyperechoic.