Hepatitis B

What is hepatitis B?

• It  is an infection where the liver is inflamed due to an infection with the hepatitis B virus. There are many other viruses which may cause hepatitis (hepatitis A, hepatitis C, EBV, CMV…).

How is hepatitis B transmitted?

• Sexual intercourse with an infected individual
• Transfusion of contaminated blood
• Infected mothers can transmit the infection to their child during delivery.
• Sharing of syringes or needles or being stung by infected needles
• Share contaminates surgical equipment: for example instruments used for tatooing and acupuncture needles.

What is the incubation period of hepatitis B?

• 3 to 6 months after infection

What are the signs and symptoms of hepatitis B?

• The disease can be asymptomatic or can present with a severe disease of the liver.
• An individual with acute hepatitis A can feel:

1. general discomfort
2. fever
3. nausea
4. loss of appetite
5. brown urine
6. jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)

• Some individuals can show no signs or symptoms and ignore that they are infected until they are tested.

Why is hepatitis B so dangerous?

• The majority of individuals with hepatitis B have few complications.
• However, 5 to 10% of the population is unable to produce antibodies against the various and will become (chronic) carriers.
• (Chronic) carriers of hepatitis B have a greater risk of developing liver cancer.

What are the antigens and antibodies of hepatitis B?

• The antigens of hepatitis B are a part of the viral particle. These antigens can be detected with blood sampling.
• The antibodies of hepatitis B are proteins produced by the body when it is exposed to the virus.
• Antibodies eradicate the virus and enable long-term protection.

How is hepatitis B diagnosed?

• Hepatitis B can be diagnosed by doing blood tests:

1. The antigen of hepatitis B: its presence signifies that the individual is infected and that he/her can contaminate others.
2. The antibody of hepatitis B: its presence signifies that the individual is immune (because specific antibodies have been produced).

• Liver function tests enable to assess the activity of the liver.

Can hepatitis B be cured if we are a (chronic) carrier?

• Drugs are available which enable some (chronic) carriers to get rid of the infection.
• You should consult a specialist (infectious diseases, internist) to get more information.

What must I do if I am found to be a (chronic) carrier of the infection?

• Regular follow-up with your doctor is necessary to measure the functional state of the liver and to detect effectively any cancerous change.
• Sexual partners should do regular screening tests of the infection.
• Pregnant women must inform their obstetrician so that preventive can be taken to avoid infecting the newborn.
• Inform your doctor and your dentist if you have hepatitis B so that precautions can be taken when undergoing procedures.
• Do not share personal things such as shavers, toothbrushes….as they may be contaminated by infected blood.
• Use condoms when engaging in sexual intercourse to avoid infecting others.

What must I do if could be infected?

• Do a blood test to screen for the presence of the virus.
• Discuss the results with your doctor and vaccinate yourself if you are not infected.
• (Chronic) carriers of hepatitis B do not need to be vaccinated.

Can I be vaccinated against hepatitis B?

• Yes, an effective vaccine is available to protect yourself against hepatitis B.
• It requires a series of three spaced-out injections.

Contributors

Dr Husain Ali Mahdi Juma  (دكتورحسين علي جمعه) – dermatologist. Manama, Bahrain

National Skin Centre. Singapore