Integrated Hepatitis B Virus DNA (Integrated HBV DNA)

Integrated hepatitis B virus DNA represents stably inserted fragments of the viral genome within human chromosomes. While incapable of supporting productive infection cycles on their own, these integrations play critical roles in maintaining persistent antigenemia—especially via continued production of HBsAg—and contribute significantly to liver disease progression through genetic disruption and promotion of cancerous changes. Their detection is important both diagnostically and prognostically in managing chronic hepatitis B patients.

Other names

HBV DNA integrationIntegrated HBV sequencesViral DNA integration in hepatocytes

Current antiviral therapies do not eliminate integrated HBV DNA but can suppress cccDNA-driven replication, which may reduce but not eliminate HBsAg production from integrated sequences.