Which viral infection is associated with a high risk of chronic liver disease?

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is associated with a high risk of chronic liver disease primarily because of its ability to persist in the host for extended periods. Unlike Hepatitis A, which typically results in acute infection that resolves on its own without leading to chronic liver disease, Hepatitis B can establish a lifelong infection in some individuals. This chronic infection can lead to severe health complications, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Chronic liver disease from HBV results from a combination of immune-mediated liver injury and the continuous replication of the virus within the liver. The risk of developing chronicity is especially high in infants who become infected at birth and in young children. This sets Hepatitis B apart from other viral infections like influenza and herpes simplex virus, which do not typically lead to chronic liver problems. Such distinctions underline the importance of vaccination and monitoring in populations at risk for Hepatitis B, emphasizing its significant public health impact.