What is the risk of HBV leading to serious liver complications?

The risk of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) leading to serious liver complications is categorized as high risk due to the potential for chronic infection, which can result in severe liver conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. HBV can persist in the body for a long time, often without symptoms, and some individuals may not be aware they are infected until significant liver damage has occurred. This ability to cause long-term health issues distinguishes HBV from many other infections.

Moreover, a considerable percentage of people who are chronically infected with HBV develop serious complications. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 25% of chronically infected individuals might develop a serious liver complication, underscoring the seriousness of the risk associated with HBV. Therefore, categorizing the risk as high accurately reflects the potential severity of the complications that can arise from a Hepatitis B infection.