Hepatitis B is the most common viral infection in the world, considered 50 times more infectious than the human immune deficiency virus (HIV).

Also known as serum hepatitis, hepatitis B (HBV) is a potentially life-threatening viral infection that causes inflammation and scarring of the liver. It is the single most common cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer worldwide, and it is endemic to Africa, Southeast Asia and China.

In South Africa, it is on the list of notifiable diseases, meaning that all cases of infection must be reported to the national Department of Health. Between 5 and 7 million South Africans are believed to be infected with the disease.

How hepatitis B spreads

Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluid. Transmission is mostly through contaminated needles during blood transfusions, during sexual intercourse or through puncture wounds caused by contaminated medical or dental instruments. Infection is very common among drug addicts who share needles. The virus can also spread through open wounds and sharing of razors or toothbrushes. Mothers can transmit it to their babies during pregnancy and birth.

Acute vs chronic

Hepatitis B is considered acute when inflammation of the liver lasts for six months or less. If the inflammation lasts longer than six months, it is considered chronic. People with chronic hepatitis B have failed to clear the HBV from their systems, putting them at risk of later developing scarring, cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.

Symptoms and signs

In acute hepatitis B the signs and symptoms include:

    • Jaundice – yellow skin or yellowing of the white parts of the eyes
    • Painful joints, muscles or abdomen
    • Dark urine
    • Pale stools
    • Nausea
    • Diarrhoea
    • Vomiting
    • Loss of appetite
    • Fatigue.

It is important to note that symptoms are linked to age. The younger the infected person, the less likely it is that symptoms will occur – a large percentage of children who get infected become chronic carriers of HBV without even realising it because of the absence of symptoms. Also, a very small percentage of adults, between 1 and 5%, who develop acute hepatitis B, will become carriers.

In chronic hepatitis B the symptoms and complications include:

    • Chronic liver diseases
    • Cirrhosis
    • Liver cancer
    • Liver failure
    • Death.

 

Sources

 

www.mayoclinic.org
www.webmd.com

 

(Revised by M van Deventer)