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Glite Dictionary
hepadnavirus

hepadnavirus

9.8
A virus that infects animals and includes the virus that causes hepatitis B in people
  • noun
  • /ˌhɛpədˈneɪvaɪrəs/
  • Specialized
: hepadnavirus
  • The hepadnavirus is known to cause hepatitis B in humans and can lead to serious liver disease.

Examples

  • Researchers are studying hepadnavirus to develop more effective vaccines against hepatitis B.

  • Our understanding of hepadnavirus replication is largely derived from animal models.

    Academic text (1994)

  • Infections caused by hepadnavirus can result in chronic illness if not treated properly.

Surface Forms

hepadnavirus singular
hepadnaviruses plural

Morphology

hepadnavirus = DNA + virus (opaque) = hepa + dna + virus

The term 'hepadnavirus' combines elements that are not immediately recognizable to the average learner, particularly 'hepa' which relates to the liver.

Etymology

Hepadnavirus comes from the part hepa meaning 'liver', as in hepatitis, and DNA, the kind of genes the virus has. So a Hepadnavirus is a 'liver' virus with DNA, which is why this group includes the hepatitis B virus that affects the liver.