Hepatitis B

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Pathologic jaundice or Hepatitis especially in adults and older children is much more complicated than before. It is caused by different families of viruses. Today six forms of Hepatitis are known:

• Hepatitis A: It is transmitted by oral route due to consumption of infected food and water. Read more>>
• Hepatitis B: It is a sexually transmitted disease. Read below.
• Hepatitis C: Transmitted by blood transfusion and infected needle. Read more>>
• Hepatitis D: Infection acquired in people already infected with Hepatitis B. Read more>>
• Hepatitis E: Water borne. Read more>>
• Chemical Hepatitis: Caused by alcohol, some anesthetics, many drugs.

There are mainly two types of viral hepatitis. One is food-borne and the other blood-borne. The former does not cause chronic liver disease, but the latter, may cause long term chronic liver disease that has lethal consequences later in life.

HepB is caused by the infection of the Hepatitis virus B (HBV). It is of serious global consideration. There are about 2 billion people in the world who have been infected with this virus.

HepB is the primary cause for liver cancer. Since HepB vaccine can prevent HepB, it was named as the first anti-cancer vaccine by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Transmission

The HepB virus is transmitted through contaminated blood or body fluids. It is also transmitted by unprotected sex and unsterile needle sharing during drug abuse. It is transmitted in the same way as the HIV virus that causes AIDS and is one of the major sexually transmitted infections. It is in fact far easily transmitted than HIV. It is not transmitted by contaminated food or water and neither through casual contact.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle or joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting

Diagnosis

By blood test.

Treatment

There is no absolute treatment once infected. However, some antivirals have been used but with limited or varying efficacy. Also these treatments are too expensive for most people. It is best to prevent it than to regret it.

Prevention

Get vaccinated before you are infected. It only requires three shots to prevent it for a lifetime. This vaccine has an amazing record of safety and success.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha, Last updated: 02.12.07 © Medhospital Foundation

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