Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and non-infectious agents leading to a range of health problems, some of which can be fatal. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. While they all cause liver disease, they differ in important ways including modes of transmission, severity of the illness, geographical distribution and prevention methods. This article will focus only on hepatitis B, discussing its prevalence, causes, transmission, treatment and preventable measures.
HEPATITIS B
Hepatitis B is a global public health threat and the world's most common serious liver infection. It is up to 100 times more infectious than the HIV/AIDS virus. It is also the primary cause of liver cancer (also know as hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC), which is the second- leading cause of cancer deaths in the world.
Hepatitis B affects approximately 296 million people including over 6 million children under the age of 5. Hepatitis B contributes to an estimated 820,000 deaths every year.
CAUSES/ TRANSMISSION
Hepatitis B infection is caused by the hepatitis B Virus (HBV). The virus is passed from person to person through semen or other body fluids. It does not spread by sneezing or coughing. Common ways that HBV can spread are;
1. Having unprotected sex with an infected person. The virus can pass to you if the person's blood, saliva, semen or vaginal secretions enter your body.
2. Using needles, sharp objects and syringes contaminated with infected blood.
3. Accidental pricks of needles that have come in contact with an infected blood.
4. Transmission from an infected mother to child during childbirth.
RISK FACTORS
You have a high chance of getting hepatitis B if you belong to any of these group;
1. Healthcare providers and emergency responders.
2. Sexually active individuals who have multiple sexual partners.
3. Homosexual men
4. Illicit drug users
5. Living in close contact with an infected person.
6. Travel to regions with high infection rates of HBV, such as Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa and Eastern Europe.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of acute hepatitis B range from mild to severe. They usually appear about 1-4 months after you have been infected, although you could see them as early as two weeks after you are infected. Symptoms may include;
1. Abdominal pain
2. Dark urine
3. Jaundice (yellow discoloration of the sclera of the eyes and skin)
4. Fever
5. Joint pain
6. Weakness and fatigue
7. Nausea and vomiting
8. Loss of appetite
DIAGNOSIS
Your doctor may undergo series of blood tests to diagnose hepatitis B. These tests include;
1. Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test: This test shows if you have an active infection. A positive results means you have hepatitis B and negative results means you currently have no hepatitis B.
2. Hepatitis B Core Antibody Test: The hepatitis B core antibody test shows whether you are currently living with HBV. Positive results usually mean you have acute or chronic hepatitis B. It may also mean you are recovering from acute hepatitis B.
3. Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Test: This test is used to check for immunity to HBV. A positive test means you are immune to hepatitis B.
4. Liver functions test: These tests check your blood for a number of enzymes your liver makes. High levels of liver enzymes indicate a damaged or inflamed liver. These results can also help determine which part of your liver may be functioning abnormally.
TREATMENT
There is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis B. Therefore, care is aimed at maintaining comfort and adequate nutritional balance, including replacement of fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhoea. Most important is the avoidance of unnecessary medications; acetaminophen, paracetamol and medication against vomiting.
Chronic hepatitis B infection can be treated with medicines including oral antiviral agents. Treatments can slow the progression of cirrhosis, reduce incidence of liver cancer and improve long term survival.
PREVENTION
The hepatitis B vaccine is typically given as two injections separated by a month or three or four injections over six months, depending on which vaccine is given. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended by the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization practices for adults 19 to 59 years of age who do not have a contraindication to the vaccine.
Other ways to reduce your risk of HBV include;
1. Know the HBV status of any sexual partner.
2. Use condoms every time you have sex.
3. Avoid the use of illegal drugs.
4. Be cautious about body piercing and tattooing.
5. Ask about the Hepatitis B vaccine before you travel.
The incidence of hepatitis B is increasing day in and day out. The best way to prevent yourself is to go for the hepatitis B vaccine if you have not already. Also follow the other measures to prevent yourself from this infection.
REFERENCES
1. WHO (2022)Hepatitis B
2. Mayo Clinic (2022) Hepatitis B
3. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (2022) Hepatitis B Affects Million of People Around the World.
4. Hep- B Foundation (2022) Transmission of Hep- B.
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