a form of hepatitis caused by a DNA virus, usually transmitted by infected blood, and characterized by a long incubation period, serious liver damage, and the sudden onset of severe fever, jaundice, abdominal pain, etc.; serum hepatitis
See hepatitis B in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
An infection of the liver that is caused by a DNA virus, is transmitted by contaminated blood or blood derivatives in transfusions, by sexual contact with an infected person, or by the use of contaminated needles and instruments. The disease has a long incubation and symptoms that may become severe or chronic, causing serious damage to the liver. Also called serum hepatitis.