What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is an inflammatory liver disease caused by viruses, which can be transmitted through blood or other body fluids. In some cases, after infection, the disease can become chronic (long-term) and lead to serious liver damage. Hepatitis B viruses are found with varying frequency in different parts of the world.
How is Hepatitis B transmitted?
Person-to-person transmission:
- Hepatitis B viruses can be present in very high amounts in the blood plasma of infected individuals. For this reason, the virus can enter the body through tiny breaks in the skin or through mucous membranes.
- The virus may also be present in smaller amounts in other body fluids—such as saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions. Therefore, transmission through sexual contact is also possible.
- If a pregnant woman is a carrier of the Hepatitis B virus, the virus can be transmitted to the baby during childbirth.
- In some cases, transmission can also occur during pregnancy, but this is rare.
Through contaminated objects::
- The hepatitis B virus can remain active outside the body for a certain period of time. Therefore, transmission is possible through shared personal items (such as razors, toothbrushes placed together, etc.).
During medical procedures:
- If a contaminated and non-sterile needle comes into contact with broken skin, transmission is possible. During medical procedures, infection can occur not only through blood but also through other body fluids.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?
During Hepatitis B infection, sometimes no symptoms may appear. In other cases, the following symptoms may be observed:
- Fatigue, weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Headache and muscle pain
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
- Mild fever
- Yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes (jaundice)
- Itching of the skin
- Dark-colored urine, etc.
If the disease becomes chronic, it can have a very negative impact on liver function. Long-term consequences can include:
- Liver cirrhosis (liver cells are damaged and replaced by scar tissue).
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
Incubation period and infectiousness
- It can take weeks or months for symptoms to appear after being infected with the hepatitis B virus.
- This asymptomatic period is the most infectious stage because the amount of virus in the blood is at its highest level before the disease begins.
- The length of the incubation period varies from person to person and mainly depends on the amount of infectious virus.
- Chronic carriers can be infectious for years without showing any symptoms.
Diagnosis and tests performed
Method 1: Blood tests
One of the main diagnostic methods is detecting viral antigens (parts of the virus) or antibodies (cells produced by the body to fight the virus) in the blood. (IFA or ELISA method)
These include:
HBsAg- A protein found on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus; its presence in the blood indicates an active infection.
Anti-HBs – Antibodies produced by the body against the surface proteins of the Hepatitis B virus.
Anti-HBc – Antibodies produced by the body against the core antigen of the Hepatitis B virus. There are different types: acute and current infection (Anti-HBc IgM), and past or chronic infection (Anti-HBc IgM + IgG).
Anti-Hbe- If Anti-HBe is found in the blood, this is a sign that the virus's ability to reproduce and the patient's risk of infectivity is gradually decreasing.
Method 2: PCR
This method is more sensitive and directly detects the genetic material of the virus. This method can determine the quality or quantity of the genetic material of the virus. In addition to diagnosis, it is also used to monitor treatment effectiveness in patients with chronic Hepatitis B.
Additional note: For high-risk professions, especially healthcare workers who are in close contact with the virus, it is advisable to determine the Hepatitis B virus antigen in the blood using an express method for prophylaxis.
Other tests:Functional tests (ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, Bilirubins) should be performed to assess the extent of liver damage.
Instrumental examinations: Ultrasound (US) is essential for evaluating liver damage from a structural perspective.
In some cases, a liver biopsy may also be performed.
Who is at higher risk?
- People who use injectable drugs, especially those who share needles
- People who live in the same household as people with Hepatitis B
- People with weakened immune systems, as they are at higher risk of complications.
What should a person with Hepatitis B do?
Hepatitis B infection is confirmed by a blood test.
- During the acute phase of the illness, it is recommended to avoid physical exertion and follow bed rest.
- A light, low-fat carbohydrate diet should be maintained.
- Alcohol and cigarettes must not be consumed.
- Personal items such as nail clippers, toothbrushes, and razors should not be shared with others.
- If the partner is not vaccinated, protection should be used during sexual intercourse, even if there are no symptoms.
- Chronic Hepatitis B can be effectively controlled with modern medications: these drugs slow down viral replication and disease progression but do not completely eliminate the virus from the body. Continuous and long-term treatment is required.
Hepatitis B Prevention Methods
- Vaccination
An effective and safe vaccine against Hepatitis B is available and is recommended for the following groups:
Infants and young children – For early protection: the 1st dose should be given within the first 24 hours after birth, the 2nd dose within the first month, and the 3rd dose within 6 months.
People with weak immune systems - To prevent the risk of complications.
People with medically weakened immunity – for example, during organ transplantation.
People with co-infections (such as HIV or Hepatitis C) – Co-existing infections significantly increase the risk of complications.
Healthcare workers and family members of the patient – They belong to a high-risk group due to close contact with the patient.
Note that the vaccine consists of 3 doses for adults as well. Before vaccination, the doctor prescribes appropriate tests, and based on their results (at 0, 1, 6 months), the vaccine is administered.
Other hygienic and preventive measures: In addition to vaccination, there are specific hygiene rules for high-risk professions. Hygiene training and awareness are essential.
What to do after exposure or suspected infection?
If there is a possibility of infection, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. The intervention method may vary depending on the individual's vaccination status.