Description
Hepatitis B virus can infect hominoidae and cause an inflammation of the liver called hepatitis. The virus is a hepadnavirus. This is a unique DNA virus as it replicates by a RNA intermediate using reverse transcription. During its life cycle the virus produces excess quantities of non-infectious particles designated as the hepatitis surface antigen (HBsAg). Animals will make antibodies to this antigen designating immunity. Vaccines have been developed with recombinant HBsAg to protect animals from infection. Antibodies should be detectable in animals post vaccination