Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by viruses, alcohol, toxins, drugs and chemicals. Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E, and G) is one of the leading causes of death globally, accounting for 1.34 million deaths per year – that’s more than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis or malaria.
Together, Hepatitis B and C cause two in every three liver cancer deaths across the world. The most deadly form of hepatitis, Hepatitis B is life-threatening and 100 times more infectious than HIV/AIDs. The Hepatitis B virus can survive outside the human body for up to seven (7) days. Hepatitis B has no cure. It will be assumed that such a deadly disease will be brought center-stage and addressed timely however that is not the case. It is estimated that over 25 million Nigerians are infected with Hepatitis B and 90% of those infected do not know. This reveals the need for widespread awareness, screening and vaccination against Hepatitis B.
This condition can be self-limiting ie. Acute phase lasting not more than six (6) months of exposure to the viral strain) or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer (which marks the chronic phase, lasting more than six (6) months of exposure). Although the different types of hepatitis may produce similar symptoms and effects on the liver, the severity and length of the diseases are dependent on the virus that causes it.
- Acute hepatitis B infection lasts less than six months. Your immune system likely can clear acute hepatitis B from your body, and you should recover completely within a few months. Most people who acquire hepatitis B as adults have an acute infection, but it can lead to chronic infection in 5%-10% of infected adults.
- Chronic hepatitis B infection lasts six months or longer. When your immune system can’t fight off the acute infection, hepatitis B infection may last a lifetime, possibly leading to serious illnesses such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is found in the blood and body fluids of infected people. It is most often spread among adults through sexual contact, by sharing needles or drug paraphernalia, getting piercings or tattoos in an unsterile environment, or from an HBV-infected mother to her new born during birth (also known as vertical transmission). HBV can also be spread through normal household contact with HBV-infected people.
Hepatitis B is often asymptomatic – that is, showing no symptoms however, these symptoms are visible in some individuals.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
Most people do not experience any symptoms during the acute infection phase. However, some people have acute illness with symptoms that last several weeks, including:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Extreme fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Light-coloured stool
- Fever
A small subset of persons with acute hepatitis can develop acute liver failure, which can lead to death. In some people, the hepatitis B virus can also cause a chronic liver infection that can later develop into cirrhosis (a scarring of the liver) or liver cancer.
Diagnosing Hepatitis B
Blood testing is the only way to diagnose hepatitis B. Many people who have been infected with hepatitis B do not know they are infected.
Preventing Hepatitis B infection
Safe, effective hepatitis B vaccines are available. The vaccination series is usually given as three doses over a six-month period. Hepatitis B vaccine is the first anti-cancer vaccine because it prevents liver cancer caused by chronic HBV infection. Also observe the following:
- Do not share sharp personal care tools like clippers, razor blades, manicure/pedicure sets, needles
- Dispose hospital wastes appropriately
- Observe standard precautions when handling blood or blood products or while administering injections/infusions.
- Avoid casual or unprotected sex especially with multiple partners.
- Always wipe blood spills with detergent or bleach
- Seek immediate help when exposed through any means.
Who should get vaccinated against Hepatitis B?
- Adults with diabetes age 19 through 59 years. Vaccination can be considered in those with diabetes who are age 60 and older.
- Sexually active adults who are not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship.
- People whose sex partners are infected with hepatitis B.
- Persons seeking evaluation or treatment for a sexually transmitted disease.
- Men who have sex with men.
- Current or recent injection-drug users.
- People who have close household contact with someone infected with hepatitis B.
- Healthcare and public safety workers at risk for exposure to blood or blood-contaminated body fluids on the job.
- People with chronic liver disease, end-stage kidney disease, or HIV infection.
- Residents and staff of facilities for developmentally disabled people.
- Travellers to regions with moderate or high rates of hepatitis B infection.
- Anyone who wishes to be protected from hepatitis B infection.
Is there a cure for Hepatitis B?
There is no cure for this disease and the infected person has to be on medication for the rest of his/her life. It is important for those who are infected with hepatitis B to adhere to medication therapy as poor adherence can lead to the infection getting worse or individuals getting resistant to medication.
Read more about ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE HERE
References
Musa B, Bussell S, Borodo M M, Samaila A A, Femi O L. Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in Nigeria, 2000-2013: A systemaec review and meta-analysis. Niger J Clin Pract 2015; 18:163-72 . World Health Organizaton. Media Centre: hepaats B. July 2013. Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs204/en/ . Lozano R, Naghavi M, Foreman K et al. Global and regional mortality from 235 causes of death for 20 age groups in 1990 and 2010: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010. The Lancet 2012; 380: 2095-128
