There has been an explosion in both the incidence and medical knowledge of viral hepatitis in the last two decades. Viral Hepatitis represented the first comprehensive reference book on viral hepatitis. this third edition - new to Blackwell Publishing - has been completely revised and updated to address the recent advances in diagnosis and treatment. The editors have been joined by Professor Stanley Lemon from the University of Texas providing a truly global perspective, collating the latest thinking from the leading international researchers and clinicians in the field. New chapters include: Biology of liver stem cells and liver regeneration Basic hepatic immunology and molecular virology of hepatitis A, B, C, D and E Host immune response Hepatitis E as a zoonosis and the latest results of the hepattitis E vaccine trial Aimed primarily at hepatologists, but also gastroenterologists and viralogists, Viral Hepatitis remains the reference text for all healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis, treatment and research of this disease.

Table of Contents:
Preface.Contributors.Section 1.1. Liver stem cells in persistent viral infection, liver regeneration and Cancer.2. The role of the liver in the immune response.Section II - .3. Clinical Features of Hepatitis.4. Diagnosis.5. Evolution of hepatitis viruses.Section III - Hepatitis A Virus .6. Structure and Molecular Virology.7. Epidemiology.8. Natural History and Experimental Models..9. Prevention.Section IV - Hepadnaviridae .10. Structure and Molecular Virology.11. Epidemiology of Hepatitis B..12. Avihepadnaviridae..13. Woodchuck Hepadnaviruses..14. Molecular Variants of Hepatitis B Virus - surface antigen.15. Molecular Variants of Hepatitis B Virus - core antigen.16. Natural History of Chronic Hepatitis B and Hepatocellular Carcinoma.17. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Molecular Aspects in hepatitis B.18. Pathogenesis of Chronic Hepatitis B - animal studies.19. Pathogenesis of Chronic Hepatitis B - human studies.20. Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B.21. Management of drug resistant variants.22. Liver Transplantation in the Management of Chronic Viral Hepatitis.23. Protection against hepatitis B.SECTION V: Hepatitis C Virus.24. Structure and Molecular Virology..25. Epidemiology.26. Immune response to HCV in acute & chronic infection.27. Chimpanzee model of HCV.28. Autoimmune disorders associated with hepatitis C.29. CNS complication of HCV infection.30. In vitro replication models of HCV..31. Small animal models of Hepatitis C.32. Progression of Hepatitis C.33. Natural History of Chronic Hepatitis C and Hepatocellular Carcinoma.34. Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C.35. New drugs for management of hepatitis C.36. Prevention of hepatitis C.Section VI - Hepatitis D Virus.37. Structure and Molecular Virology.38. Epidemiology Natural History.39. Treatment of Hepatitis D.Section VII - Hepatitis E Virus.40. Structure and Molecular biology.41. Hepatitis E as a Zoonotic Disease..42. Epidemiology, Natural History and Experimental Models Diagnosis -.43. Prevention.Section VIII - Clinical Aspects of Viral Liver Disease.44. Etiology of Fulminant Hepatitis.45. Treatment of Fulminant Hepatitis.46. Transfusion-Associated Hepatitis.47. Hepatitis and Hemophila.48. Occupational Aspects of Hepatitis.49. Neonatal and Pediatric Infection.50. Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.51. Application of Molecular Biology to the Diagnosis of Viral Hepatitis.52. Hepatitis in HIV-infected Persons.53. Treatment of extra-hepatic diseases caused by HBV & HCV.54. The Histologist's Role in Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Hepatitis B & C.55. Disinfection and Sterilization.56. Mechanisms of interferon resistance.57. Novel cytokines for all hepatitis.58. New in vitro testing systems.59. New vaccine technology (oral vaccines/adjuvants).60. Safety of hepatitis vaccines.61. History of hepatitis.Index.