Hepatitis B (HBV)- Symptoms, Causes, Types, and Treatment

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This infection can lead to both acute and chronic liver disease. Acute hepatitis B infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after exposure to the virus. Chronic hepatitis B infection is a long-term illness that happens when HBV remains in a person's body. Chronic hepatitis B can eventually cause serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

How common is Hepatitis B infection?

Hepatitis B is a global health problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 296 million people worldwide were living with chronic hepatitis B infection in 2019. In India, it is estimated that around 40 million people are chronically infected with HBV. These numbers highlight the importance of hepatitis B awareness, prevention and timely treatment.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B Infection

Many people with hepatitis B do not experience any symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, some people may develop symptoms which can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness and fatigue
• Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)

Symptoms may appear 1 to 4 months after infection, but they can also take up to 6 months to develop. Acute symptoms can last for several weeks.

Causes of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is transmitted through contact with infectious blood, semen, and other bodily fluids.

• You may get hepatitis B if you have unprotected sex with an infected partner whose blood, saliva, semen or vaginal secretions enter your body.
• HBV easily spreads through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood.
• Hepatitis B is a concern for healthcare workers and anyone else who comes in contact with human blood.
• Pregnant women infected with HBV can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth. However, the newborn can be vaccinated to avoid getting infected in almost all cases.

Risk factors for Hepatitis

Risk factors for hepatitis B include unprotected sex with multiple partners or an infected person, sharing needles, living with someone with chronic HBV, being born to an infected mother, healthcare exposure, dialysis, and travel to high-risk regions.

Complications of hepatitis B infection

Acute hepatitis B infection usually doesn't cause complications. But if you develop a chronic HBV infection, it can lead to serious health issues, such as:

• Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis): Hepatitis B causes inflammation of the liver. Over time, this can lead to severe scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis occurs when the healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, preventing the liver from functioning properly.
• Liver failure: Acute liver failure is a condition in which the vital functions of the liver shut down. When that occurs, a liver transplant is necessary to sustain life.
• Liver cancer: People with chronic hepatitis B infection have an increased risk of liver cancer. Your doctor may recommend blood tests and an ultrasound or other imaging tests to check for liver cancer.
• Kidney disease: Hepatitis B can cause kidney problems, such as glomerulonephritis.

Types of Hepatitis B

There are three main types of hepatitis B: acute, chronic, and carriers.

• Acute hepatitis B is a short-term illness that occurs within the first six months after exposure to the virus. It is the most common type of hepatitis B in children.
• Chronic hepatitis B is a long-term illness that can lead to serious health problems, including liver failure and liver cancer.
• Carriers of hepatitis B have the virus in their blood but do not show any symptoms.

Types of Hepatitis B diagnostics

To diagnose hepatitis B, doctors will conduct a complete physical exam and test your blood to see if your liver is inflamed. If your sampled tests have high levels of liver enzymes, you'll be tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody (HBsAg) usually take 10 weeks to show up on a blood test. Antibodies drop significantly and become extinct within 4-6 months when you completely recover. If the antibodies are still present in your body six months later, you are diagnosed with a chronic case of hepatitis B.

HBsAg antibodies are what make you immune to hepatitis B. If your disease becomes a chronic illness, your physician might suggest a liver biopsy. This will tell them how severe the disease is. The doctor might also recommend you get an ultrasound to see how much liver damage there is.

What tests diagnose hepatitis B?

• Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test: A positive HBsAg test means you have an active infection. You can spread the virus to others through your blood.
• Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) test: A positive anti-HBs test means you are protected against HBV, either from vaccination or from having recovered from an infection.
• Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) test: This test checks for HBV replication in the liver. It is useful for monitoring the effectiveness of antiviral therapy.
• Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) test: A positive anti-HBc test means you have a current or previous infection with HBV.
• Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and antibody (anti-HBe) tests: The presence of HBeAg suggests that the virus is actively replicating and you are highly contagious. The presence of anti-HBe suggests lower infectivity.

Your doctor may also order liver function tests to check for liver damage, as well as tests to measure the viral load (HBV DNA) in your blood.

What are Hepatitis B treatments?

Hepatitis B treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection.

Prophylactic treatment

The hepatitis B vaccine offers the best protection against HBV. The vaccine is typically given as a series of three injections over a 6-month period. It's recommended for:

• Newborns
• Children and adolescents not vaccinated at birth
• Those who work or live in close contact with people with chronic HBV infection
• Healthcare workers, emergency workers, and other people who come into contact with blood
• People with end-stage kidney disease, chronic liver disease, or HIV infection
• People with multiple sex partners and people who inject drugs
• Travelers to regions with moderate to high rates of hepatitis B

Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) gives immediate, short-term protection to people who have been exposed to HBV. It contains antibodies that neutralise the virus. HBIG is used in situations such as:

• Infants born to mothers with hepatitis B infection
• After a needle stick or other exposure to HBV-positive blood
• After sexual contact with someone with acute hepatitis B infection

Acute Hepatitis B treatment

If your provider determines your hepatitis B infection is acute, you may not need treatment. Instead, your doctor might recommend rest, proper nutrition and plenty of fluids while your body fights the infection. In severe cases, antiviral drugs or a hospital stay may be necessary.

Chronic Hepatitis B treatment

Treatment for chronic hepatitis B infection involves antiviral medications, such as:

• Entecavir (Baraclude)
• Tenofovir (Viread)
• Lamivudine (Epivir)
• Adefovir (Hepsera)
• Telbivudine (Tyzeka)

These drugs can help fight the virus and slow its ability to damage your liver. You may need to take these medications for several months or years. Treatment also involves regular monitoring of liver function and viral load to assess response to therapy.

Coping with Hepatitis B

Understanding what is hepatitis B and learning how to deal with it can be challenging. But there are ways to manage the condition and protect your liver from further damage:

• See your doctor regularly for check-ups and lab tests to monitor your liver function and viral load.
• Take your medications as prescribed. Don't skip doses or stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor first.
• Avoid alcohol, as it can cause additional liver damage.
• Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A, as this can cause additional liver damage.
• Inform any sexual partners about your condition and always practise safe sex.
• Don't share personal items like razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers.
• Cover any cuts or open sores to prevent others from coming into contact with your blood.
• If you're pregnant, make sure your baby gets the hepatitis B vaccine and HBIG at birth.

Prevention of Hepatitis B

The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to get vaccinated. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective, and the only way to avoid this disease.

The vaccine is given as a series of shots. The first shot is usually given at birth; the rest at 1–2 months old, 6–18 months old, and 4–6 years old. If you weren't vaccinated as a child, you can get the vaccines as an adult.

Conclusion

Hepatitis B is a severe viral infection that affects the liver. If left untreated, it can lead to severe liver damage and even death. There are three main types of hepatitis B—acute, chronic, and carrier—each with its own symptoms and treatment options. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the best possible outcome.

Timely detection of hepatitis B is key to fighting the disease and preventing it from worsening. Blood tests can accurately detect if you have this disease or not. When it comes to matters of health and well-being, you should trust only the best pathology lab in the country. Metropolis Healthcare Labs, the pathology specialist of India, has branches spread throughout India. Our team of experts, state-of-the-art testing facilities, and quick testing ensure you get your reports quickly. Contact us today for all your blood test needs.

FAQs

How long are you contagious with hepatitis B?

You can be contagious as long as the virus is present in your blood. Acute hepatitis B may resolve within six months, but chronic cases can spread the virus for life if untreated.

How can I reduce my risk of hepatitis B infection?

Vaccination is the best protection. Also, avoid sharing needles or razors, practice safe sex, and ensure blood products are screened during medical procedures.

How can I prevent transmitting the infection to others?

If you have hepatitis B, don’t share personal items, inform your sexual partners, and cover open wounds. Regular medical follow-up and antiviral treatment can also reduce your viral load and risk of transmission.

How long can a hepatitis B patient live?

Many people with chronic hepatitis B live long, healthy lives with proper care and treatment. However, complications like liver damage may occur if unmanaged.

Can I have a baby if my husband has hepatitis B?

Yes. With proper precautions like vaccination and medical guidance, transmission can be prevented during pregnancy and childbirth.

What is the new treatment for hepatitis B?

Ongoing research explores newer antiviral drugs and immune-based therapies. Current treatments like tenofovir and entecavir effectively suppress the virus.

How many months will it take to cure hepatitis B?

There's no guaranteed cure yet. Acute hepatitis B may resolve in 6 months; chronic cases require long-term management, sometimes lifelong.