Hepatitis B
Overview
Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is a major global health problem and the most serious type of viral hepatitis. It can cause chronic liver disease and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.
Causes
The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. It can be passed from mother to child during childbirth, through unprotected sex, by sharing needles, syringes or other drug-injection equipment, or through transfusions of unscreened blood and blood products.
Symptoms
The incubation period of the hepatitis B virus is 75 days on average but can vary from 30 to 180 days. The virus may be detected within 30 to 60 days after infection and can persist and develop into chronic hepatitis B.
Diagnosis
Hepatitis B virus is not found in the stool. Diagnosis and monitoring of chronic HBV infection is important for the prevention of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
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.
Prevention
The hepatitis B vaccine is the mainstay of hepatitis B prevention. WHO recommends that all infants receive the hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after birth, preferably within 24 hours.
See Also
