Hepatology & Hepatitis

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver by the hepatitis B virus. It can be acute and self-resolving, or it can be chronic, leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

For most adults, HBV is a short-term illness that causes no permanent damage, but 2 to 6 percent of adults infected will develop a chronic infection that can potentially lead to liver cancer. Around 90 percent of infants with the virus will develop chronic infection.

There is no cure for HBV, but immunization can prevent initial infection. Antiviral medication can treat chronic infections.

Cause of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by infection of the body with the hepatitis B virus.

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is found in blood and bodily fluids. It can be transmitted through semen, vaginal fluids, and blood, and it can pass from a mother to a newborn during delivery. 

 

Sharing needles and having unprotected sex increase the risk

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People tend to catch HBV when they visit a part of the world in which infection is more common.

 

A person can spread the condition without being aware, as it may be symptomless.

 

Transmission

Hepatitis B is transmitted when blood, semen, or another bodily fluid from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This may be through a puncture in the skin, a shared needle, or the exchange of body fluids.

Infection can happen:

• as an infected mother gives birth

• during sexual activity

• through sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment

• through unsafe tattoo techniques

• by sharing personal hygiene items such as razors or toothbrushes

Health workers can be at risk if they are exposed to unsafe medical practices, such as reusing medical equipment, not using personal protection, or incorrect disposal of sharps.

HBV is not spread through food or water, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, or insects that bite.

However, the virus can survive outside the body for at least 7 days. During this time, the virus can still cause infection if it enters the body of a person who is not protected by the vaccine.

SYMPTOMS

Most infections occur during infancy or childhood. They are rarely diagnosed, as there may be few obvious symptoms.

Symptoms of a new infection may not be apparent in children under 5 years of age and adults with a suppressed immune system. Among those aged 5 years and over, between 30 and 50 percent will show initial signs and symptoms.

These include:

• fever

• joint pain

• fatigue

• nausea

• vomiting

• loss of appetite

• abdominal pain

• dark urine

• clay-colored stools

• jaundice, or a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes

Acute symptoms appear from 60 to 120 days after exposure to the virus, and they can last from several weeks to 6 months.

A person with chronic HBV infection may have ongoing episodes of abdominal pain, persistent fatigue, and aching joints.

TREATMENT

There is no specific treatment, cure, or medication for an acute HBV infection. Supportive care will depend on the symptoms.