Hepatitis B: Causes, Manifestations, and Remedies
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant global health concern, causing approximately 820,000 deaths worldwide due to HBV-related liver disease in 2015 [1]. This viral infection, transmissible through blood, semen, and vaginal fluids, can lead to serious long-term complications if left untreated.
The virus can enter the body when blood, semen, or another bodily fluid from a person with the virus comes into contact with an individual who does not have it [2]. However, it's important to note that HBV cannot spread through food, shared eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, insect bites, or any other non-bloodborne contact [3].
Infection can occur during sexual activity, by sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection devices, through unsafe medical practices, and by sharing personal hygiene items [2]. People with chronic HBV may also pass the virus to their newborn children during delivery, and approximately 5% of infants with the virus will develop a chronic infection [4].
Chronic HBV infection may be initially asymptomatic, but over time, symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice may develop as liver damage progresses [2]. These complications mostly occur as the virus persists for a prolonged period, usually more than six months, and are more common in those infected at birth or in early childhood due to higher rates of chronicity in these groups [2].
The serious long-term risks of chronic hepatitis B include cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, and associated mortality [1]. Cirrhosis is the scarring of liver tissue resulting from ongoing inflammation and damage, while liver failure refers to advanced liver damage that impairs the liver's ability to function properly, which can be life-threatening [5]. Chronic HBV infection significantly increases the risk of developing liver cancer [1].
Treatment strategies focus on preventing these long-term outcomes by controlling viral replication and liver inflammation [3]. For people with chronic HBV, ongoing medical evaluation and regular testing are essential [2]. Treatment may involve antiviral medications, which can stop the virus from replicating and prevent its progression into advanced liver disease [5].
In some cases, if chronic HBV starts causing permanent liver damage, undergoing a liver transplant can help improve long-term survival [5]. Prevention, however, is the best approach, and the HBV vaccine offers effective protection against the virus for most people [1].
It's crucial to note that the HBV vaccine contains no live virus, making it safe for women to receive during pregnancy and lactation [6]. As of 2016, an estimated 257 million people are living with a chronic HBV infection [1]. For most adults, HBV is a short-term condition that causes no permanent damage, but for some, it becomes chronic and can lead to liver cancer [7].
In conclusion, understanding the risks and long-term complications of chronic hepatitis B is essential for preventing this potentially life-threatening disease. Early diagnosis, vaccination, and medical management are key to preventing the progression of the virus and the development of severe liver disease.
References: [1] World Health Organization. (2017). Global hepatitis report 2017. Geneva: World Health Organization. [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Hepatitis B - Transmission. Retrieved from
- The HBV vaccine, which is safe for pregnant and lactating women, offers effective protection against the virus for most people.
- Approximately 257 million people are living with a chronic HBV infection, according to a 2016 estimate.
- For some adults, HBV becomes chronic and can lead to liver cancer.
- Chronic HBV infection significantly increases the risk of developing liver cancer.
- Prevention, including vaccination, is the best approach to avoid the potentially life-threatening disease of chronic hepatitis B.
