Genome - The complete set of genetic information.

HAV Ag - Hepatitis A virus antigen.

HAV - Hepatitis A virus.

HBcAg - Hepatitis B core antigen.

H-BIG - Hepatitis B immune globulin (specific to hepatitis B virus, see immune globulin).

HBsAg - Hepatitis B surface antigen.

HBV - Hepatitis B virus.

HCV - Hepatitis C virus.

HDV - Hepatitis D virus.

HEV - Hepatitis E virus.

Haemophilia - A hereditary disorder in which the blood clots very slowly due to a deficiency of one of the coagulation factors; bleeding in haemophilia may be treated by transfusions of plasma.

Hepadnavirus - One of a group of DNA viruses; HBV is a member of this group of viruses.

Hepatitis - Inflammation of the liver.

Hepatitis A - Viral hepatitis caused by the hepatitis A virus; formerly known as infectious hepatitis.

Hepatitis B - Viral hepatitis caused by the hepatitis B virus; formerly known as serum hepatitis.

Hepatitis C - Viral hepatitis caused by the hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis D - Viral hepatitis caused by the hepatitis D virus.

Hepatitis E - Viral epatitis caused by the hepatitis E virus.

Hepatocellular carcinoma - Cancer of the liver cells.

IgG - A form of immunoglobulin that occurs late in an infectious process.

IgM - A form of immunoglobulin that occurs early in an infectious process.

Immune - A state of protection afforded against infection as the result of the presence of antibodies in the body's circulatory system.

Immune globulin - A sterile solution of water-soluble proteins that contains those antibodies normally present in adult human blood; used as a passive immunizing agent against various viruses such as HAV. Other names include immune serum globulin (ISG) and gamma globulin.

Incidence - The number of new episodes of illness arising in a population over an estimated period.

Incubation period - The interval of time between the moment of entrance of the infecting organism into the body and the first appearance of symptoms of the disease.

Infectious hepatitis - An old term for hepatitis A.

Insidious - Stealthy; denotes a disease that progresses with few or no symptoms to indicate its presence or its gravity.

Interferon - A substance that is produced by cells infected with a virus, which has the ability to inhibit viral growth.

Jaundice - A syndrome characterized by increased levels and deposits of bile pigment in the skin, giving the individual a yellowish skin color; usually caused by liver changes.