Introduction to Hepadnaviridae

Hepadnaviridae includes one virus that is pathogenic to man: Hepatitis B virus (HBV). All of the known hepadnaviruses are hepatotropic, infecting liver cells, and all can cause hepatitis in their known host. Hepatitis is the syndrome characterized by inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by hepatitis viruses, other viruses and non-infectious agents such as alcohol.

The hepadnaviurses include three viruses of mammals and two viruses of birds. Members of the Hepadna family include:

1) Genus Orthohepadnavirus

Virus Member-Natural Host-Disease

Hepatitis B (HBV)-Humans, Chimps, Gibbons, Monkeys-Hepatitis

Ground Squirrel Hepatitis B-Ground Squirrels, Woodchucks, Chipmunks-Hepatitis

Woodchuck Hepatitis B-Woodchucks-Hepatitis

2) Genus Avihepadnavirus

Virus Member-Natural Host-Disease

Duck Hepatitis B-Ducks, Geese-Hepatitis

Heron Hepatitis B-Herons-Hepatitis

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