Hepatitis B Is A Viral Infection Of The Liver

Hepatitis B Is A Viral Infection Of The Liver

Liver cancer, liver failure, fatigue, fever, icteria, immunology

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver that can lead to both an acute and chronic illness.
The virus is transmitted by contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person.
It is estimated that there are 257 million people with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (defined as positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen).
In 2015, hepatitis B caused 887 000 deaths, the vast majority due to its complications (including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma).
Hepatitis B represents an important occupational risk for health professionals.
It is preventable with the currently available vaccine, which is safe and effective.
It is a life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is a major health problem worldwide. It can cause chronic liver disease and carries a high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer.

A vaccine against hepatitis B with a 95% efficacy in the prevention of infection and the onset of chronic disease and liver cancer due to hepatitis B has been available since 1982.

Transmission

The hepatitis B virus can survive outside the body for at least seven days. In that period it can still cause infection if it enters the body of a person not protected by the vaccine. The mean incubation time for hepatitis B is 75 days, but it can range from 30 to 180 days. The virus, which can be detected 30 to 60 days after infection, can persist and lead to chronic hepatitis B.