hepatitis B

noun, Pathology
1.
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
1970-75
British Dictionary definitions for hepatitis B

hepatitis B

noun
1.
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
hepatitis B in Medicine

hepatitis B n.
A form of hepatitis caused by a DNA virus that persists in the blood serum and is transmitted by infected blood or blood derivatives, or by contaminated needles or other instruments. The disease has a long incubation period and symptoms that may become severe or chronic, causing serious damage to the liver. Also called serum hepatitis.