Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Image HDRI made according to a view under transmission electron microscope. Viral diameter 42 nm. 10% of people infected with the Hepatitis B virus become "carriers". Their blood remains infected for months, years, or even for their whole life. 70% of carriers develop a life-long infection but never develop symptoms. The other 30% continually suffer from a liver disease that often transforms into cirrhosis and, after a period of 30 to 40 years, into liver cancer. Virus with parenteral transmission.