Source: World Health Organization

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection, caused by the Hepatitis B virus. Nearly 30 million new people are infected every year and out of these, and almost 900,000 people die each year from an undetected infection and complications such as liver cancer.

About

Diagnosis

Prognosis

In highly endemic areas, hepatitis B is most commonly spread from mother to child at birth (perinatal transmission) or through horizontal transmission (exposure to infected blood), especially from an infected child to an uninfected child during the first 5 years of life. Hepatitis B is also spread by needlestick injury, tattooing, piercing and exposure to infected blood and body fluids, such as saliva and menstrual, vaginal and seminal fluids. A safe and effective vaccine that offers 98% to 100% protection against hepatitis B is available.

It is not possible to differentiate Hepatitis B from Hepatitis caused by other viruses just by clinical methods, hence, reliable laboratory diagnostic tests are essential for accurately detecting the infection. Several blood tests are available to diagnose and monitor people with Hepatitis B.

Most people diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B infection need treatment for the rest of their lives. Treatment helps reduce the risk of liver disease and prevents you from passing the infection to others. Treatment for chronic hepatitis B may include Antiviral medications, interferon injections, and if the liver is severely damaged, liver transplant.