Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, or HBV. It’s transmitted through infected bodily fluids. Unprotected sex, sharing needles or getting an accidental needlestick, or receiving unscreened blood transfusions carry a risk of transmitting the virus. It’s also passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or birth, and can be transmitted in saliva on items like toothbrushes; the virus can remain active for days on such items, so family members of infected people are at risk.
Keywords: hepatitis b, hepatitis b in Singapore, Singapore hepatitis b
Symptoms
HBV replicates inside liver cells. This damages and kills the cells, and also induces the immune system to kill the cells, in an attempt to clear the virus out of the body. The symptoms of hepatitis B are related to this liver damage.
Many of those newly infected with HBV don’t experience symptoms. However, others experience symptoms of liver failure, including yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark tea-colored urine, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. This phase of the infection requires hospitalization for some people, but many are able to get through it on their own. In 95% of people infected with HBV, the virus will be cleared from the body after the initial infection is over.
In some people, the virus remains in the body. Of these, most will simply be carriers, who can pass the virus to others but have no symptoms of liver damage. For others, the infection enters a chronic phase, in which liver damage is constantly occurring at relatively low levels. The result if this constant liver damage can be scarring (cirrhosis, or hardening) of the liver, or cancer of the liver. These complications can be fatal, or can lead to the need for a liver transplant.
The blood test for hepatitis B can determine which phase of the infection you’re in, and whether you’re immune to the virus (as a result of having had the infection and cleared it, or having gotten the vaccine).
Treatment
Fortunately, treatments are available for those with hepatitis B. Treatment is usually given to those whose blood tests show liver damage in the chronic phase of the infection. In some cases, carriers are also given treatment, although the side effects may outweigh the benefits.
Treatments include antiviral medications, which stop the virus from replicating, and immune system modulators, which stop the immune system from killing liver cells. These medications will have to be taken for life in most cases; they’re expensive and have side effects.
Vaccination
There is an effective vaccine against HBV. Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all healthcare workers, those who use intravenous drugs or perform other risky behaviors, and family members of infected individuals. The vaccine is also recommended for newborns, and can help prevent a baby from getting hepatitis B from an infected mother.
In Singapore, hepatitis B is expected to become less and less frequent as the vaccine is more widely used. However, the disease still occurs, so it’s prudent to avoid contact with the bodily fluids of others as much as possible. This will protect you from hepatitis B as well as a number of other pathogens that can be present in blood and sexual fluids. Practicing safe sex, ensuring needles are sterilized between uses, and avoiding the sharing of personal items are good preventive measures.
References
Hepatitis B at Shim Clinic, Singapore