Hepatitis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the liver tissue. It may result from different causes such as heavy alcohol use, medications, toxins, and diseases wherein the body attacks its own tissues (autoimmune diseases). However, the most common cause of hepatitis is viruses.
There are 5 different types of viruses causing viral hepatitis: Type A, B, C, D, and E. Types A and E are acquired by ingesting contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B is spread by sexual intercourse, during birth to a mother who has hepatitis B, through needle sharing and blood transfusion. HDV is transmitted mostly by exposure to blood. It infects only those persons who already have HBV infection and makes the outcome of HBV infection worse. Hepatitis C is mainly spread by sharing or reusing of needles and syringes, and by blood transfusion of contaminated blood.
Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 257 million people worldwide are living with Hepatitis B virus infection. In 2015, Hepatitis B resulted in 887,000 deaths.
Patients with hepatitis experience a broad range of symptoms. New Hepatitis A and E infections usually cause symptoms, but as many as half the people with new hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections do not have symptoms. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Patients may later develop yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark-colored urine, and clay-colored stools.
Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 257 million people worldwide are living with Hepatitis B virus infection. In 2015, Hepatitis B resulted in 887,000 deaths, mostly from complications (including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma). Though a major global health problem, Hepatitis B can be prevented by currently available vaccines.
Blood tests are available to diagnose Hepatitis B infection and to monitor patient’s response to treatment. Treatment includes supportive care in acute cases and is aimed at maintaining comfort, replacement of fluids (during vomiting and diarrhea), and assuring adequate nutritional balance. Chronic active infections can be treated with oral anti-viral drugs to slow down the progression of the disease and decrease the incidence of liver cancer.
The Hepatitis B vaccine, as recommended by the WHO, is the mainstay of Hepatitis B prevention. The complete three-dose vaccine series induces protective antibody levels in more than 95% of patients. Protection lasts at least 20 years and is probably life-long. All infants should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. All children and adolescents younger than 19 years old who have not yet gotten the vaccine should also be vaccinated. Adults who are at risk for Hepatitis B virus infection or those who want to be vaccinated should talk to a health professional about getting the vaccine series.
