hepatitis B
noun Pathology.
a form of hepatitis caused by a DNA virus (hepatitis B virus, or HBV) that persists in the blood, characterized by a long incubation period: usually transmitted by sexual contact or by injection or ingestion of infected blood or other bodily fluids.
Also called
serum hepatitis.
Origin of hepatitis B
First recorded in 1970–75
British Dictionary definitions for hepatitis b
hepatitis B
noun
a form of hepatitis caused by a virus transmitted by infected blood (as in transfusions), contaminated hypodermic needles, sexual contact, or by contact with any other body fluid
Former name: serum hepatitis
Medical definitions for hepatitis b
hepatitis B
n.
A form of viral hepatitis caused by a DNA virus that often persists in the blood serum and can cause chronic liver damage. Hepatitis B is usually transmitted by infected blood products (as through transfusion), by contaminated needles, or by exposure to infected bodily fluids through sexual intercourse.
serum hepatitis