What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. Left untreated, hepatitis B can cause liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis of the liver. A hepatitis B infection can be acute or chronic.

Symptoms of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) typically present 3 months after infection and can include abdominal pain, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, yellowing of the skin and eyes, weakness and fatigue, and dark-colored urine. A majority of infants and children and some adults, however, never develop symptoms.

The virus is most commonly spread between humans through sexual contact, intravenous drug use, or from mother to child through vaginal birth or cesarean section. Workers in the health care industry who are exposed to human blood also are at risk. People who have been exposed to HBV should see their doctor immediately. A preventive treatment can significantly reduce the likelihood of infection, but must be administered within 24 hours of exposure.

HBV prevention starts with receiving a hepatitis B vaccine. Using latex condoms, not sharing needles and not sharing personal items such as a razor, toothbrush or nail clippers with someone who has HBV also can reduce the risk for infection.

While there is no cure for hepatitis B, most adults with the infection make a full recovery and treatment for HBV is usually not prescribed. The use of interferon or pegylated interferon injections, however, can slow the viruses’ replication in the liver.

References:

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/viralhepatitis/#hepb

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-b/basics/definition/con-20022210