INACTIVE CARRIERS OF HEP B VIRUS & HEPB E ANTIGEN-NEG CHRONIC HEPB IN NAMER

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Approximately 400 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is more common in Asia, East Europe and Africa, where up to 10% of the population are chronically infected. Hepatitis B is caused by a virus that infects the liver. In people who were infected as babies or children, the immune system cannot easily clear the infection from the body. People who have been infected with this virus for more than 6 months are called chronic carriers. Most chronic carriers feel well and have no symptoms of liver disease. However, these people may have inflammation in their liver. Over time, some carriers will develop cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver failure or liver cancer. This study will observe the natural course of infection in chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus. Blood tests will be taken at most visits to determine liver function and virus activity. This study does not involve treatment with medications or invasive testing. It will help physicians and subjects learn more about the natural course of hepatitis B infection, and how the virus causes liver damage. Through this study, subjects will learn more about hepatitis B, what the liver does, how to prevent spread of the virus to others, and how hepatitis B can be treated.