Table 1.
Description of hepatitis viruses and their relationship with development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
| Virus | Genome | Number of Chronic Carriers | Development of Cirrhosis | Development of HCC | Oncogenic Mechanisms | Viral Oncoproteins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAV | Single-stranded, positive-sense linear RNA virus | No chronic infection | No | No | -- | -- |
| HBV | Partially double-stranded, circular DNA virus | 257 millions | Yes | Yes | Chronic inflammation, oncoprotein, insertional mutagenesis | HBx, altered HBs or HBx |
| HCV | Single-stranded, positive-sense linear RNA virus | 71 millions | Yes | Yes | Chronic inflammation, oncoprotein | Core protein, NS3, NS4B, NS5A |
| HDV | Single-stranded, negative sense, closed circular RNA virus | 5% of HBV carriers | Yes | Yes | Chronic inflammation, oncoprotein | HDAg |
| HEV | Single-stranded, positive-sense linear RNA virus | Only in immuno compromized patient | Only in immuno compromized patient | Exceptionnal (immuno compromized patient) | -- | -- |
| AAV2 | Single-stranded DNA virus | 30–80% of positive serology in the general population 26% of AAV2 detected in liver |
No | Yes (rare event occurring in normal liver) | Insertional mutagenesis | -- |