Hepatitis B C: Silent threats to global health

Hepatitis B or C is an infectious liver disease that poses a major public health threat worldwide. Both are infectious liver diseases that can be caused by distinct viruses and have different modes of transmission. They can also lead to acute or chronic infections. This article will examine the two types of hepatitis and their symptoms, causes, modes of transmission, and impact on society and individuals.

What are Hepatitis C and B?

Hepatitis B or C is a viral infection that affects the liver. The hepatitis B and C viruses are responsible for the infection. Both viruses can cause acute or chronic liver inflammation, which is a condition caused by both viruses. The liver is an essential organ that filters toxins, processes nutrients and produces proteins necessary for blood clotting. Viral infections can have serious consequences for your health.

Transmission and Causes

Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B can be transmitted by contact with blood, semen or other bodily liquids. Most common modes of infection include:

Sexual contact unprotected with an infected person.

Intravenous drug users are notorious for sharing needles and syringes.

Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy

Healthcare workers are at risk of being exposed to contaminated medical equipment or blood.

Sharing personal items such as toothbrushes and razors with infected individuals.

Through body piercings and tattoos using unsterilized tools.

Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C can be transmitted by exposure to blood infected. Transmission modes include:

Share needles and syringes when using drugs.

Blood or organ transplants received from infected donors (rare, due to blood screening).

Injuries caused by needlesticks in healthcare settings

Sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes or razors, that have been in contact with blood.

Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy (less common than HBV).

Sexual contact with an infected person is less common.

Complications and Symptoms

Hepatitis B or C may have similar symptoms. However, many people who are infected remain asymptomatic in the early stages. When symptoms occur, they may include:

Fatigue

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Dark urine

Abdominal pain

Nausea and vomiting

Loss of appetite

Clay colored stools

Joint pain

In some cases, acute symptoms can resolve themselves, but viruses can remain in the body and cause chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis C and B can cause liver damage and cirrhosis. It also increases the risk of developing liver cancer.

Diagnosis and Testing

Blood tests are used to diagnose hepatitis B or C. These tests detect viral markers as well as assess liver function. Diagnostic tests include:

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). A result positive indicates HBV infection.

Hepatitis B Antibody (anti HBc): Detects HBV infection.

Hepatitis B Antibody (anti HCV): Confirms an exposure to HCV, but does not necessarily indicate active infection.

HCV-RNA Test: Indicates whether the virus is active in the body.

Liver Function Testing: Measure liver proteins and enzymes to assess liver function.

Early diagnosis allows for medical intervention that can prevent liver cancer, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Prevention Strategies

Prevention of hepatitis B or C involves a number of key strategies.

Vaccination In many countries, a highly effective hepatitis B vaccination is routinely administered to children as part of their childhood immunizations. The vaccine can help prevent the spread of HBV. Hepatitis C is not a vaccineable disease.

Safe Sexual Practices: Barrier methods such as condoms reduce the risk sexual transmission.

Harm reduction: By providing clean needles and syringes, intravenous drug users are less likely to contract an infection.

Blood screening: A thorough blood and organ donation screening helps to prevent the spread of viruses via transfusions and transplants.

Sterile medical procedures: It is important to ensure that all healthcare facilities adhere to strict infection control measures in order to prevent the spread of disease.

Education: Raising public awareness of the transmission modes and prevention measures is crucial to reducing new infections.

Treatment Options

Hepatitis B or C can be treated, but the treatment varies depending on the type.

Hepatitis B (HBV):

Antiviral medication can control the virus to prevent liver damage.

Chronic HBV patients may need lifelong treatment.

In severe cases, liver transplantation might be required.

Hepatitis C (HCV):

HCV treatment has been revolutionized by the use of antiviral drugs that act directly on the virus.

DAAs are effective in treating chronic HCV.

The treatment duration for HBV is usually shorter.

A successful treatment can stop the progression of liver diseases and improve your quality of life. To maximize your chances of recovery, it is important to get a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible.

Global Impact and Epidemiology

Hepatitis B C are global health issues, but the prevalence of each varies from region to region. Around 292 millions people in the world have chronic HBV, and 58 million are chronically HCV-infected. In some parts of Asia or Africa, these infections are more prevalent.

Hepatitis B C affects more than just the individual. Chronic infections can put a strain on healthcare systems and increase healthcare costs. They also reduce productivity and cause premature death. These viruses also cause liver cancer and contribute to the global burden.

Populations at risk and Risk Factors

Some groups are more susceptible to hepatitis B or C infection, such as:

People who have multiple partners and engage in unprotected sexual activity.

Shared needles and syringes by intravenous drug users.

Blood and bodily fluids are a danger to healthcare workers.

Babies born to mothers who have hepatitis B.

Those who received organ or blood transplants prior to the implementation of effective screening protocols.

To reduce the spread, targeted testing and prevention efforts are needed to target these high-risk groups.

Support and Awareness for Hepatitis B C

Support and awareness for those living with hepatitis B or C is crucial. Support groups and patient advocacy organisations provide resources and support to those who are affected by these infections. These groups work to de-stigmatize hepatitis, promote testing, treatment, and prevention.

Hepatitis B C pose a significant threat to global health. They share some similarities, but they are two distinct diseases with different viruses and unique transmission modes. Hepatitis B C can be a burden on both individuals and the society. Early diagnosis, prevention and effective treatment are key to reducing this burden. We can combat these silent threats by increasing public awareness and implementing healthcare initiatives.