B in a proportion of patients. In 95% of neonates and 3–5% of adults, acute HBV infection does not clear spontaneously and chronic infection can persist for years. 10–30% of chronically infected patients develop chronic hepatitis, which may lead to more serious conditions including cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. * 19 19 19 * 24 24 24 * * 26 26 26 * 30 30 30 * Acute hepatitis B is usually self limiting and benign, but may progress to chronic hepatitis B in a proportion of patients. In 95% of neonates and 3–5% of adults, acute HBV infection does not clear spontaneously and chronic infection can persist for years. 10–30% of chronically infected patients develop chronic hepatitis, which may lead to more serious conditions including cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma.