What is hepatitis type B -HBV virus?
Hepatitis B is an infectious liver inflammation that is triggered by the hepatitis type B -HBV virus. The hepatitis B virus is one of the most contagious pathogens for diseases there is. The infectivity is up to 100 times higher than that of the HI virus, the causative agent of AIDS. In most cases, the course of hepatitis B is protracted and severe, and in acute cases it is often fatal. Chronic courses can develop , causing life-threatening damage to the liver.
Hepatitis B is highly contagious. In most cases, transmission occurs through the blood. However, it is also found in a smaller amount in semen, vaginal fluid, urine, breast milk and even tears. It is transmitted particularly frequently and quickly during sex, whether orally, vaginally or anally. If blood is involved, the risk is naturally increased many times times.
To cause infection, even a small amount is sufficient, which can penetrate the body through even the smallest injuries to the mucous membrane or skin. If drugs are involved, where common syringes and accessories, such as filters, swabs, spoons and tubes are used, the risk is also enormous. Similarly, shared toothbrushes, nail scissors, razors and non-sterile equipment used in tattooing and piercing are a source of risk. The hepatitis type B HBV virus can be transmitted to the child during pregnancy, during birth or during breastfeeding.
How high is the risk of contracting the hepatitis type B HBV virus?
In Germany, about 500,000 people have the hepatitis B virus in their bodies and are thus considered virus carriers and potential vectors. Of these, around 5 % are children. Most infections occur between the 15th and 35th year of life. The main cause is sexual contact .
What are the symptoms of the hepatitis type B HBV virus?
The symptoms of hepatitis B are as follows:
- Loss of appetite,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- In many cases also jaundice.
The
disease can last several weeks, if not months. Out of
about 100-200 people, one dies as a result of hepatitis B.
How is hepatitis type B -HBV virus diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made on the basis of detection of HBsAg and anti-HBc serologically in the blood
How is hepatitis type B HBV virus treated?
If acute hepatitis B is present , the symptoms are usually treated. In very severe cases, where a liver failure coma is to be expected, it is necessary to administer medication that impedes the multiplication of the virus. Anyone who suffers from acute hepatitis B should pay attention to a balanced diet, take it easy on themselves physically , avoid medicines and foods that put a strain on the liver and, of course, avoid alcohol altogether.
If it is a chronic form of hepatitis B, interferon alpha and peg interferon alpha 2a or 2b can be used. However, not exactly few patients show severe side effects such as blood count changes, flu-like symptoms, depression, hair loss and weight loss. The biggest advantage of interferon therapy is that it is limited in time to a maximum of 48 weeks . About 30 % of those affected react to the therapy with a decrease in virus replication and a normalisation of their liver values. Most of the side effects disappear completely, as soon as the interferon is stopped. Follow-ups are essential during the therapy to see if the therapy is responding. If this is not the case or the course is poor, the treatment is stopped and replaced by another one.
If the liver fails due to acute or chronic hepatitis B, a liver transplant is considered. Usually the patient gets the liver of a deceased person transplanted. In some, but rare, cases, a liver transplant can be done using a part of a close relative's liver. After this process, the patient must take immunosuppressants for life, so that the body does not reject the transplanted and thus foreign liver .
What complications can be caused by the hepatitis type B -HBV virus?
The transition from an acute hepatitis B infection to a chronic stage is the greatest danger. This means that although the acute disease has passed, the virus has taken up lifelong residence in the liver . Virus carriers of chronic hepatitis B are not only a high source of infection for other people, but also have the risk of dying of liver cirrhosis, cirrhotic liver or liver cancer . Newborn babies are particularly at risk if they are infected by their mothers during pregnancy or at birth.
How can you protect yourself against the hepatitis type B HBV virus?
The safest protection of all is a hepatitis B vaccination. As a rule this is done together with a vaccination against the hepatitis A virus. Vaccination is particularly recommended for the following people:
- Homosexual men,
- People with frequently changing sexual partners,
- People with chronic liver disease,
- People who have contact with hepatitis B patients, such as hospital staff or nursing staff),
- People who use syringes to administer drugs.
What is the prognosis for hepatitis type B -HBV virus?
Acute hepatitis B heals spontaneously in nine out of ten adults and also without any late effects. Once the disease is overcome, leads to lifelong protection against the virus. Only in about 10 % of patients, the disease is severe and in some cases even fatal . Acute hepatitis B develops into a chronic form in about 10 % of patients. People with a weakened immune system are especially susceptible to the chronic course . There is no blanket answer to what the life expectancy is from chronic hepatitis B, because that depends on whether severe complications such as liver cancer or liver cirrhosis develop. About 90 % of acute hepatitis B in children develops into a chronic form.