Острая форма гепатита В: симптомы, лечение, прогноз

Воспалительные процессы в печеночной ткани возникают по причине инфекций или токсических влияний и ведут к необратимым сбоям функциональности гепатоцитов. Острый гепатит В вызывается вирусом, внедряющимся внутрь клеток печени и разрушающим их. При своевременном начале лечения такая форма заболевания не требует специфических мер. Терапия симптоматическая, а прогноз на выздоровление благоприятный.

Патогенетический механизм и этиология

Острое поражение печеночных тканей и других важных органов способен вызвать вирус гепатита типа B. Восприимчивыми к инфицированию являются лица, ранее не болевшие и не вакцинированные. Существует бессимптомное носительство, при котором человек не ощущает симптомов наличия вируса, но способен заражать окружающих. После вторжения в организм наступает период инкубации, который длится около 3—4 недель. Вирусная частичка крепится на поверхность гепатоцита и внедряется внутрь, где начинает активное размножение. После выхода патогена в кровь иммунитет начинает активно бороться, вырабатывая антитела. Защитные клетки атакуют не только пораженные вирусом, но и здоровые гепатоциты. Из разрушенных вирусом печеночных клеток выходит билирубин, который провоцирует желтушность, желчные кислоты, вызывающие аллергические проявления на коже. Развивается воспаление и разворачивается клиническая картина болезни.

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Особенности возбудителя и пути заражения

Накоплено немало знаний, поэтому известны пути и механизм передачи.

Вирус гепатита В — ДНК-содержащий представитель группы вирусов, ведущих к деструкции печеночных тканей. Инфекционные частички устойчивы к внешним влияниям и могут сохранять активность до 3 месяцев, а в крови — до 1 года. Погибают они только при длительном кипячении, высоких концентрациях этанола и температурном воздействии. Патоген имеет характерные антигены на оболочке и в ядре, по которым и определяют наличие вируса. Вирус очень заразен, а риску инфекции подвержены медицинские работники, близкие больного, инъекционные наркоманы, лица с иммунодефицитными состояниями, беспорядочной половой жизнью. Высокие концентрации вируса наблюдаются в естественных биологических жидкостях больного, поэтому заражение происходит при контакте с ними. Пути внедрения гепатита В:

• Через кровь при манипуляциях нестерильными инструментами в кабинете стоматолога, гинеколога, при нанесении татуировок, пирсинге, уколах одной инъекционной иголкой у наркоманов, общем пользовании бритвами, маникюрными ножницами, переливании крови.
• Половой путь при контакте со спермой или влагалищными выделениями.
• От инфицированной матери ребенку во время родов.

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Симптомы недуга по стадиям

Интенсивность проявлений зависит от тяжести течения болезни, которую определяет степень интоксикации, и особенностей иммунной защиты больного. Начальные этапы протекают без ярко выраженных симптомов. Течение заболевания можно разделить на три стадии. Каждая из них характерна своим набором симптомов. Симптомы острого гепатита В по этапам представлены в таблице.

Стадия	Проявления
Переджелтушная	Дискомфорт в правом подреберье
	Ухудшение аппетита
	Слабость
	Высокая температура
	Кашель
	Насморк
	Диспепсия
	Увеличение селезенки и печени
	Темная моча
	Обесцвеченный кал
	Холестаз
	Изменение биохимии крови
Желтушная	Пожелтение белков глаз, кожи, неба
	Усиление интоксикации
	Сыпь и зуд
	Боли в подреберной зоне
	Горечь во рту
Выздоровления	Постепенное, до 6 месяцев, уменьшение интоксикации и других симптомов
	Нормализация размеров органов и кровяных показателей

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Возможные опасные осложнения

Само заболевание опасно, а осложнения угрожают жизни и здоровью.

При отсутствии грамотного и своевременного лечения острая форма гепатита В приводит к опасным последствиям. Заболевание может приобрести хронический вид и тогда потребуется пожизненная профилактическая терапия. Вирусная деструкция гепатоцитов заканчивается полной утерей их функциональности, развитием цирроза или раковым перерождением. Возможно присоединение бактериальной инфекции и проникновение ее в желчевыводящий тракт. Такие осложнения, как печеночная энцефалопатия, отек мозга, дыхательная недостаточность смертельны для больного.

После выздоровления человек еще год должен находиться под наблюдением врача и раз в 3 месяца проводить тестирование крови на антигены и антитела вируса.

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Обследования и анализы для диагностики гепатита В

Первые стадии обычно не вызывают волнения и часто воспринимаются как простуда или грипп. Пациенты обращаются к медикам, когда симптоматика уже интенсивная. Во время опроса врач выяснит особенности проявлений патологии, проведет осмотр и пальпацию живота. При подозрении на острый вирусный гепатит В назначаются дополнительные обследования:

• оценка биохимических показателей крови;
• анализ мочи;
• выявление вирусных антигенов, генетического материала и антител в крови;
• УЗИ;
• биопсия печеночной ткани.

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Какое лечение необходимо?

Подбором терапии гепатитов занимается врач-инфекционист. Специализированных лечебных мер для острой формы заболевания не требуется. Необходимо только помочь организму вывести вирус и уменьшить разрушающее влияние патогенов на печень. Допустимо амбулаторное лечение, а госпитализация в инфекционный стационар показана при тяжелом течении болезни и появлении осложнений. Перечень терапевтических мер при острой форме гепатита В:

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Профилактика вирусного воспаления печеночных тканей

Чтобы не заразиться гепатитом, необходимо соблюдать профилактические меры, особенно внимательными следует быть людям из группы риска. Уберечь от попадания вируса может соблюдение правил личной гигиены, контроль стерильности инструментов в салонах татуировок и пирсинга, у стоматолога. Следует избегать случайных половых связей, а во время интимного контакта использовать презервативы. Для уменьшения риска инфицирования рекомендуется вакцинация. Поможет укрепить организм здоровый образ жизни без пагубных привычек, регулярные прогулки и занятия физкультурой, употребление витаминных комплексов.

При близком контакте с больным вирусным гепатитом В человеку следует обратиться в поликлинику, где проведут экстренную профилактику путем введения иммуноглобулинов и вакцины.

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Прогноз на выздоровление

В большинстве случаев острый тип воспаления печени вирусной природы при вовремя начатой поддерживающей терапии заканчивается полным выздоровлением пациента. После заболевания формируется стойкий иммунитет к инфекционным агентам гепатита В. Осложнения развиваются нечасто. Возможен вариант длительной циркуляции вируса в крови — бессимптомное носительство.

90000 Hepatitis A — Symptoms and causes 90001 90002 Overview 90003 90004 Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause inflammation and affect your liver’s ability to function. 90005 90004 You’re most likely to get hepatitis A from contaminated food or water or from close contact with a person or object that’s infected. Mild cases of hepatitis A do not require treatment.Most people who are infected recover completely with no permanent liver damage. 90005 90004 Practicing good hygiene, including washing hands frequently, is one of the best ways to protect against hepatitis A. Vaccines are available for people most at risk. 90005 90010 Products & Services 90011 Show more products from Mayo Clinic 90002 Symptoms 90003 90004 Hepatitis A signs and symptoms typically do not appear until you’ve had the virus for a few weeks.But not everyone with hepatitis A develops them. If you do, hepatitis signs and symptoms can include: 90005 90016 90017 Fatigue 90018 90017 Sudden nausea and vomiting 90018 90017 Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially on the upper right side beneath your lower ribs (by your liver) 90018 90017 Clay-colored bowel movements 90018 90017 Loss of appetite 90018 90017 Low-grade fever 90018 90017 Dark urine 90018 90017 Joint pain 90018 90017 Yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice) 90018 90017 Intense itching 90018 90037 90004 These symptoms may be relatively mild and go away in a few weeks.Sometimes, however, hepatitis A infection results in a severe illness that lasts several months. 90005 90010 When to see a doctor 90011 90004 Make an appointment with your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of hepatitis A. 90005 90004 Getting a hepatitis A vaccine or an injection of immunoglobulin (an antibody) within two weeks of exposure to hepatitis A may protect you from infection. Ask your doctor or your local health department about receiving the hepatitis A vaccine if: 90005 90016 90017 You’ve traveled out of the country recently, particularly to Mexico or South or Central America, or to areas with poor sanitation 90018 90017 A restaurant where you recently ate reports a hepatitis A outbreak 90018 90017 Someone close to you, such as a roommate or caregiver, is diagnosed with hepatitis A 90018 90017 You recently had sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A 90018 90037 90002 Causes 90003 90004 Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that infects liver cells and causes inflammation.The inflammation can affect how your liver works and cause other signs and symptoms of hepatitis A. 90005 90004 The virus most commonly spreads when you eat or drink something contaminated with fecal matter, even just tiny amounts. It does not spread through sneezing or coughing. 90005 90004 Here are some of the specific ways the hepatitis A virus can spread: 90005 90016 90017 Eating food handled by someone with the virus who does not thoroughly wash his or her hands after using the toilet 90018 90017 Drinking contaminated water 90018 90017 Eating raw shellfish from water polluted with sewage 90018 90017 Being in close contact with a person who’s infected — even if that person has no signs or symptoms 90018 90017 Having sex with someone who has the virus 90018 90037 90002 Risk factors 90003 90004 You’re at increased risk of hepatitis A if you: 90005 90016 90017 Travel or work in areas of the world where hepatitis A is common 90018 90017 Attend child care or work in a child care center 90018 90017 Live with another person who has hepatitis A 90018 90017 Are a man who has sexual contact with other men 90018 90017 Have any type of sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A 90018 90017 Are HIV positive 90018 90017 Are experiencing homelessness 90018 90017 Have a clotting-factor disorder, such as hemophilia 90018 90017 Use any type of illegal drugs (not just those that are injected) 90018 90037 90002 Complications 90003 90004 Unlike other types of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A does not cause long-term liver damage, and it does not become chronic.90005 90004 In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause a sudden loss of liver function, especially in older adults or people with chronic liver diseases. Acute liver failure requires a stay in the hospital for monitoring and treatment. Some people with acute liver failure may need a liver transplant. 90005 90002 Prevention 90003 90004 The hepatitis A vaccine can prevent infection with the virus. The vaccine is typically given in two shots. The first one is followed by a booster shot six months later.90005 90004 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a hepatitis A vaccine for the following people: 90005 90016 90017 All children at age 1, or older children who did not receive the childhood vaccine 90018 90017 Anyone age 1 year or older who is experiencing homelessness 90018 90017 Infants ages 6 to 11 months traveling internationally 90018 90017 Family and caregivers of adoptees from countries where hepatitis A is common 90018 90017 People in direct contact with others who have hepatitis A 90018 90017 Laboratory workers who may come in contact with hepatitis A 90018 90017 Men who have sex with men 90018 90017 People who work or travel in parts of the world where hepatitis A is common 90018 90017 People who use any type of illicit drugs, not just injected ones 90018 90017 People with clotting-factor disorders 90018 90017 People with chronic liver disease, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C 90018 90017 Anyone wishing to obtain protection (immunity) 90018 90037 90004 If you’re concerned about your risk of hepatitis A, ask your doctor if you should be vaccinated.90005 90010 Follow safety precautions when traveling 90011 90004 If you’re traveling to parts of the world where hepatitis A outbreaks occur, take these steps to prevent infection: 90005 90016 90017 Peel and wash all fresh fruits and vegetables yourself. 90018 90017 Do not eat raw or undercooked meat and fish. 90018 90017 Drink bottled water and use it when brushing your teeth. 90018 90017 Avoid all beverages of unknown purity, with or without ice. 90018 90017 If bottled water is not available, boil tap water before drinking it.90018 90037 90010 Practice good hygiene 90011 90004 Thoroughly wash your hands often, especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before preparing food or eating. 90005 90160 .90000 Hepatitis B — Symptoms and causes 90001 90002 Overview 90003 90004 Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). For some people, hepatitis B infection becomes chronic, meaning it lasts more than six months. Having chronic hepatitis B increases your risk of developing liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis — a condition that permanently scars of the liver. 90005 90004 Most adults with hepatitis B recover fully, even if their signs and symptoms are severe.Infants and children are more likely to develop a chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis B infection. 90005 90004 A vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, but there’s no cure if you have the condition. If you’re infected, taking certain precautions can help prevent spreading the virus to others. 90005 90002 Symptoms 90003 90004 Signs and symptoms of hepatitis B range from mild to severe. They usually appear about one to four months after you’ve been infected, although you could see them as early as two weeks post-infection.Some people, usually young children, may not have any symptoms. 90005 90004 Hepatitis B signs and symptoms may include: 90005 90016 90017 Abdominal pain 90018 90017 Dark urine 90018 90017 Fever 90018 90017 Joint pain 90018 90017 Loss of appetite 90018 90017 Nausea and vomiting 90018 90017 Weakness and fatigue 90018 90017 Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice) 90018 90033 90034 When to see a doctor 90035 90004 If you know you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B, contact your doctor immediately.A preventive treatment may reduce your risk of infection if you receive the treatment within 24 hours of exposure to the virus. 90005 90004 If you think you have signs or symptoms of hepatitis B, contact your doctor. 90005 90002 Causes 90003 90004 Hepatitis B infection is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is passed from person to person through blood, semen or other body fluids. It does not spread by sneezing or coughing.90005 90004 Common ways that HBV can spread are: 90005 90016 90017 90048 Sexual contact. 90049 You may get hepatitis B if you have unprotected sex with someone who is infected. The virus can pass to you if the person’s blood, saliva, semen or vaginal secretions enter your body. 90018 90017 90048 Sharing of needles. 90049 HBV easily spreads through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing IV drug paraphernalia puts you at high risk of hepatitis B. 90018 90017 90048 Accidental needle sticks.90049 Hepatitis B is a concern for health care workers and anyone else who comes in contact with human blood. 90018 90017 90048 Mother to child. 90049 Pregnant women infected with HBV can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth. However, the newborn can be vaccinated to avoid getting infected in almost all cases. Talk to your doctor about being tested for hepatitis B if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant. 90018 90033 90034 Acute vs.chronic hepatitis B 90035 90004 Hepatitis B infection may be either short-lived (acute) or long lasting (chronic). 90005 90016 90017 90048 Acute hepatitis B infection 90049 lasts less than six months. Your immune system likely can clear acute hepatitis B from your body, and you should recover completely within a few months. Most people who get hepatitis B as adults have an acute infection, but it can lead to chronic infection. 90018 90017 90048 Chronic hepatitis B infection 90049 lasts six months or longer.It lingers because your immune system can not fight off the infection. Chronic hepatitis B infection may last a lifetime, possibly leading to serious illnesses such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. 90018 90033 90004 The younger you are when you get hepatitis B — particularly newborns or children younger than 5 — the higher your risk of the infection becoming chronic. Chronic infection may go undetected for decades until a person becomes seriously ill from liver disease. 90005 90002 Risk factors 90003 90004 Hepatitis B spreads through contact with blood, semen or other body fluids from an infected person.Your risk of hepatitis B infection increases if you: 90005 90016 90017 Have unprotected sex with multiple sex partners or with someone who’s infected with HBV 90018 90017 Share needles during IV drug use 90018 90017 Are a man who has sex with other men 90018 90017 Live with someone who has a chronic HBV infection 90018 90017 Are an infant born to an infected mother 90018 90017 Have a job that exposes you to human blood 90018 90017 Travel to regions with high infection rates of HBV, such as Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa and Eastern Europe 90018 90033 90002 Complications 90003 90004 Having a chronic HBV infection can lead to serious complications, such as: 90005 90016 90017 90048 Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis).90049 The inflammation associated with a hepatitis B infection can lead to extensive liver scarring (cirrhosis), which may impair the liver’s ability to function. 90018 90017 90048 Liver cancer. 90049 People with chronic hepatitis B infection have an increased risk of liver cancer. 90018 90017 90048 Liver failure. 90049 Acute liver failure is a condition in which the vital functions of the liver shut down. When that occurs, a liver transplant is necessary to sustain life. 90018 90017 90048 Other conditions.90049 People with chronic hepatitis B may develop kidney disease or inflammation of blood vessels. 90018 90033 90002 Prevention 90003 90004 The hepatitis B vaccine is typically given as three or four injections over six months. You can not get hepatitis B from the vaccine. 90005 90004 The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for: 90005 90016 90017 Newborns 90018 90017 Children and adolescents not vaccinated at birth 90018 90017 Those who work or live in a center for people who are developmentally disabled 90018 90017 People who live with someone who has hepatitis B 90018 90017 Health care workers, emergency workers and other people who come into contact with blood 90018 90017 Anyone who has a sexually transmitted infection, including HIV 90018 90017 Men who have sex with men 90018 90017 People who have multiple sexual partners 90018 90017 Sexual partners of someone who has hepatitis B 90018 90017 People who inject illegal drugs or share needles and syringes 90018 90017 People with chronic liver disease 90018 90017 People with end-stage kidney disease 90018 90017 Travelers planning to go to an area of ​​the world with a high hepatitis B infection rate 90018 90033 90034 Take precautions to avoid HBV 90035 90004 Other ways to reduce your risk of HBV include: 90005 90016 90017 90048 Know the HBV status of any sexual partner.90049 Do not engage in unprotected sex unless you’re absolutely certain your partner is not infected with HBV or any other sexually transmitted infection. 90018 90017 90048 Use a new latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex 90049 if you do not know the health status of your partner. Remember that although condoms can reduce your risk of contracting HBV, they do not eliminate the risk. 90018 90017 90048 Do not use illegal drugs. 90049 If you use illicit drugs, get help to stop. If you can not stop, use a sterile needle each time you inject illicit drugs.Never share needles. 90018 90017 90048 Be cautious about body piercing and tattooing. 90049 If you get a piercing or tattoo, look for a reputable shop. Ask about how the equipment is cleaned. Make sure the employees use sterile needles. If you can not get answers, look for another shop. 90018 90017 90048 Ask about the hepatitis B vaccine before you travel. 90049 If you’re traveling to a region where hepatitis B is common, ask your doctor about the hepatitis B vaccine in advance. It’s usually given in a series of three injections over a six-month period.90018 90033 90182 90004 Oct. 27 2017 90005.90000 Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention 90001 90002 Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. Although hepatitis can be the symptom of many illnesses, including autoimmune diseases, it is most often caused by a viral infection. 90003 90002 There are five main types of viral hepatitis — A, B, C, D and E. Of those, Hepatitis A, B and C are the most common types in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC). Viral hepatitis sometimes goes away without any treatment, but in some cases, the virus will stay in the body and cause a chronic infection.90003 90006 Symptoms 90007 90002 Some people with hepatitis have no symptoms, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). When symptoms occur, they can include: 90003 90010 90011 jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes) 90012 90011 abdominal pain 90012 90011 loss of appetite 90012 90011 nausea and vomiting 90012 90011 diarrhea 90012 90011 fever 90012 90023 90006 Causes 90007 90002 Hepatitis can be caused by drugs, alcohol or other toxins, by infection with bacteria, viruses or parasites, or when the body mistakenly attacks the liver (an autoimmune disease), according to the World Health Organization.Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of the illness. 90003 90002 Hepatitis A and E are acute (short-term) viral infections typically transmitted through food or water contaminated by fecal matter, the WHO says. The primary sources of the hepatitis A and E viruses are raw or undercooked food, food handled by people who have not properly washed their hands and water contaminated by animal or human waste. Hepatitis E is rare in the United States, but common in other parts of the world, according to the CDC.Hepatitis B is spread through exposure to infected blood, through sexual contact with an infected person, or during childbirth, when the virus can be transmitted from mother to child, according to the NIDDK. 90003 90002 Hepatitis C is mainly spread through contact with the blood of an infected person, according to the CDC. Such contact can occur when people share needles to inject drugs. Less commonly, hepatitis C can spread through sex or childbirth. 90003 90002 Hepatitis D is also spread through contact with blood, but infections with this virus only occur when someone is also infected with hepatitis B.Injection drug users are at greatest risk for this type of hepatitis, according to the NIDDK. 90003 90006 Diagnosis 90007 90002 Acute liver infection is usually suspected when patients have symptoms such as jaundice and fatigue. Blood tests can then be used to determine the presence and quantity of hepatitis virus and antibodies in the body. The doctor may suggest getting a liver biopsy if chronic hepatitis B and C is suspected and there’s a chance of liver damage. 90003 90002 Since liver damage can occur before there are any overt signs and symptoms, routine screenings for hepatitis B and C are recommended for people who have a high risk of coming in contact with the viruses.Regular testing is recommended for injection-drug users, men who have sex with other men, people taking immunosuppressive drugs, HIV-positive patients and pregnant women, according to hepatitis B guidelines from the CDC. 90003 90006 Complications 90007 90002 Chronic infection and inflammation can lead to extensive scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and impaired liver functions. While the estimated number of new infections in the United States has been declining, hepatitis B and C viruses can persist as chronic infections, according to statistics reported to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System.Both are leading causes of chronic liver disease and liver cancer in the United States. 90003 90002 About 2 to 6 percent of adults infected with hepatitis B, and about 75 to 85 percent of people infected with hepatitis C, will develop a chronic infection, according to the CDC. Infants and children who contract hepatitis B have a higher risk for chronic infection. 90003 90002 Hepatitis B infections can also increase the risk of becoming infected with hepatitis D, which can not be contracted unless there’s already a pre-existing hepatitis B infection, according to the Mayo Clinic.Hepatitis B can also cause kidney problems, and infected adults are more likely than children to experience kidney failure. 90003 90002 Both hepatitis A and E do not lead to chronic infections, according to the CDC. However, in rare cases, acute liver failure could occur in older adults and those who already have other chronic liver diseases. 90003 90006 Treatment 90007 90002 Most acute hepatitis infections brought on by the hepatitis A, B, C and E virus will resolve on their own over several weeks or months, according to the NIH.However, severe cases of acute hepatitis B can be treated with antiviral drugs such as lamivudine (trade name Epivir). 90003 90002 Chronic hepatitis B and C infections (which do not get better on their own after a few months) may be treated with antiviral medications such as pegylated interferon (peginterferon) injections or oral antivirals such as lamivudine for hepatitis B or ribavirin (trade name Copegus, Rebetol, Ribasphere) for hepatitis C. However, ribavairin must be taken with peginterferon in order for it to be an effective treatment against hepatitis C, according to the NIH.Liver transplants may be necessary if the liver is severely damaged. 90003 90006 Prevention 90007 90002 Routine childhood hepatitis A vaccination, which was implemented in many parts of the United States in the 1990s, has significantly reduced new cases of Hepatitis A by 95 percent between 1995 (12 cases per 100,000 people) to 2010 року (less than 1 case per 100,000 people), according to the CDC. 90003 90002 Hepatitis B vaccination is also available, and it is 95 percent effective in preventing viral infections and its chronic consequences, according to the WHO.90003 90002 Although there is no vaccine for hepatitis D, the disease can still be prevented by vaccinating against hepatitis B. 90003 90002 Babies born to mothers infected with hepatitis B should receive hepatitis B immune globulin and the hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth to help prevent infection, the NIH says. 90003 90002 90067 Additional reporting by Rachael Rettner, Senior Writer 90068 90003 90002 90067 Follow Rachael Rettner 90068 90067 @RachaelRettner 90068. 90067 Follow 90068 90067 Live Science 90068 90067 @livescience 90068 90067, 90068 90067 Facebook 90068 90067 & 90068 90067 Google+ 90068 90067.90068 90003 .90000 Hepatitis B: Causes, symptoms, and treatment 90001 90002 Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It can be acute and resolve without treatment. However, some forms can be chronic, and these could lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. 90003 90002 HBV is a major global health concern. In fact, in 2015 року, HBV-related liver disease caused around 887,000 deaths worldwide. 90003 90002 As of 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 862,000 people in the United States are living with a chronic HBV infection.90003 90002 For most adults, HBV is a short term condition that causes no permanent damage. However, 2-6% of adults with HBV go on to develop a chronic infection that can potentially lead to liver cancer. 90003 90002 Around 90% of infants with the virus will develop a chronic infection. 90003 90002 In this article, learn more about HBV, including transmission, early symptoms, and treatment. 90003 90002 HBV can cause infection and inflammation of the liver. A person can have HBV and transmit the virus to others without knowing that they have it.90003 90002 Some people experience no symptoms. Some only have the initial infection, which then resolves. For others, the condition becomes chronic. In chronic cases, the virus continues to attack the liver over time without detection, resulting in irreversible liver damage. 90003 90002 In 2017, 3,407 people reported an HBV infection to the CDC. However, accounting for people who do not report that they have the infection, the number of acute HBV infections may have been closer to 22,100. 90003 90002 Many HBV infections occur during infancy or childhood.This is because a mother can pass HBV to her child during childbirth. However, doctors rarely diagnose HBV in childhood, as it causes few obvious symptoms. 90003 90002 Symptoms of a new HBV infection may not be apparent in children under 5 years of age or in adults with a suppressed immune system. Among those aged 5 years and over, around 30-50% will show initial signs and symptoms. 90003 90002 Acute symptoms appear around 60-150 days after exposure to the virus, and they can last from several weeks to 6 months.90003 90002 A person with a chronic HBV infection may have ongoing episodes of abdominal pain, persistent fatigue, and aching joints. 90003 90028 Early symptoms 90029 90002 If HBV does cause symptoms early on, they may include: 90003 90032 90033 fever 90034 90033 joint pain 90034 90033 fatigue 90034 90033 nausea 90034 90033 vomiting 90034 90033 loss of appetite 90034 90033 abdominal pain 90034 90033 dark urine 90034 90033 clay colored stools 90034 90033 jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes 90034 90053 90002 HBV is transmissible when blood, semen, or another bodily fluid from a person with the virus enters the body of an individual who does not have it.90003 90002 More specifically, infection can occur: 90003 90032 90033 when a woman with HBV gives birth 90034 90033 during sexual activity 90034 90033 as a result of sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection devices 90034 90033 as a result of practicing unsafe tattoo techniques 90034 90033 by sharing personal hygiene items, such as razors and toothbrushes 90034 90053 90002 Health workers may be at risk through unsafe medical practices, such as reusing medical equipment, not using personal protection, or incorrectly disposing of sharps.90003 90002 HBV can not spread through: 90003 90032 90033 food or water 90034 90033 shared eating utensils 90034 90033 breastfeeding 90034 90033 hugging 90034 90033 kissing 90034 90033 holding hands 90034 90033 coughing 90034 90033 sneezing 90034 90033 insect bites 90034 90053 90002 The virus can survive outside the body for at least 7 days. During this time, it can still cause infection if it enters the body of a person who has not received vaccination against it. 90003 90002 There is currently no cure for HBV, but receiving the vaccine can prevent initial infection.90003 90002 Antiviral medication can treat chronic infections. If chronic HBV starts causing permanent liver damage, undergoing a liver transplant can help improve long term survival. 90003 90002 However, receiving an effective vaccine and taking antiviral medications means that fewer people may end up needing a liver transplant as a result of chronic HBV. 90003 90002 There is no specific treatment, cure, or medication for an acute HBV infection. Supportive care will depend on the symptoms. 90003 90028 Treatment for suspected exposure 90029 90002 Anyone who has had potential exposure to HBV can undergo a postexposure «prophylaxis» protocol.90003 90002 This consists of HBV vaccination and hepatitis B immunoglobin (HBIG). Healthcare workers give the prophylaxis after the exposure and before an acute infection develops. 90003 90002 This protocol will not cure an infection that has already developed. However, it decreases the rate of acute infection. 90003 90028 Treatment for chronic HBV infection 90029 90002 For chronic HBV infection, antiviral medications are available. 90003 90002 This is not a cure for chronic HBV. However, it can stop the virus from replicating and prevent its progression into advanced liver disease.90003 90002 A person with a chronic HBV infection can develop cirrhosis or liver cancer rapidly and without warning. If a person does not have access to adequate treatment or facilities, liver cancer can be fatal within months of diagnosis. 90003 90002 People with a chronic HBV infection require ongoing medical evaluation and an ultrasound of the liver every 6-12 months. This monitoring can help doctors determine if liver damage is progressing or the condition is getting worse. 90003 90002 The cause of HBV is the hepatitis B virus infecting the body.90003 90002 The virus occurs in the blood and bodily fluids. HBV is transmissible via semen, vaginal fluids, and blood. It can also pass from a mother to a newborn child during delivery. Sharing needles and having sex without contraception both increase the risk. 90003 90002 People can also contract HBV when they visit a part of the world in which infection is more common. 90003 90002 A person can spread the virus without being aware, as it may not cause any symptoms. 90003 90002 Screening is available for people at higher risk of an HBV infection or complications due to an undiagnosed HBV infection.If a person has HBV, the doctor may assess their liver for damage. 90003 90028 Hepatitis B test 90029 90002 A blood test can help a doctor diagnose acute and chronic HBV infection. 90003 90002 If the test confirms the presence of HBV, the doctor may request follow-up blood tests to confirm: 90003 90032 90033 whether HBV infection is in its acute or chronic stage 90034 90033 the person’s risk of liver damage 90034 90033 whether or not treatment is necessary 90034 90053 90002 A doctor will recommend regular testing for people with chronic HBV.Once the condition reaches a chronic stage, it can change over time. 90003 90002 Hepatitis has many different types. HBV and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) have both acute and chronic forms. 90003 90002 The main difference between HBV and HCV is how they spread from person to person. Although HCV is transmissible via sexual activity, this is rare. HCV usually spreads when blood that carries the virus comes into contact with blood that does not. 90003 90002 Here, learn more about the differences between HBV and HCV.90003 90002 If a woman with HBV becomes pregnant, they may transmit the virus to their baby. Women should inform the doctor who delivers their baby that they have HBV. 90003 90002 The infant should receive an HBV vaccine and HBIG with 12-24 hours of birth. This significantly reduces the risk that they will develop HBV. 90003 90002 The HBV vaccine is safe to receive while pregnant. 90003 90002 People with a high risk of HBV include: 90003 90032 90033 the infants of mothers with HBV 90034 90033 the sexual partners of people with HBV 90034 90033 people who engage in sexual intercourse without contraception and those who have multiple sexual partners 90034 90033 men who have sex with men 90034 90033 people who inject illicit drugs 90034 90033 those who share a household with a person who has a chronic HBV infection 90034 90033 healthcare and public safety workers who are at risk of occupational exposure to blood or contaminated bodily fluids 90034 90033 people receiving hemodialysis, which is a type of kidney treatment 90034 90033 people taking medications that suppress the immune system, such as chemotherapy for cancer 90034 90033 people with HIV 90034 90033 those who come from a region with a high incidence of HBV 90034 90033 all women during pregnancy 90034 90053 90002 People can prevent HBV infection by: 90003 90032 90033 wearing appropriate pr otective equipment when working in healthcare settings or dealing with medical emergencies 90034 90033 not sharing needles 90034 90033 following safe sexual practices 90034 90033 cleaning any blood spills or dried blood with gloved hands using a 1:10 dilution of one part household bleach to 10 parts water 90034 90053 90002 A vaccine against HBV has been available since тисячі дев’ятсот вісімдесят два.90003 90002 People who should receive this vaccine include: 90003 90032 90033 all infants, children, and adolescents without a previous vaccination 90034 90033 all healthcare workers 90034 90033 those who may have had exposure to blood and blood products through work or treatment 90034 90033 people undergoing dialysis and the recipients of solid organ transplants 90034 90033 residents and staff of correctional facilities, halfway houses, and community residences 90034 90033 those who inject drugs 90034 90033 people who share a household or engage in sexual intercourse with someone who has a chronic HBV infection 90034 90033 those with multiple sexual partners 90034 90033 people who travel to countries where HBV is common 90034 90053 90028 Schedule 90029 90002 The HBV vaccine takes the form of three injections.A person can receive the first injection at any age, but babies should receive the first injection soon after birth. The second shot should occur at least 1 month after the first. 90003 90002 Adults can receive the third dose at least 8 weeks after the second dose and 16 weeks after the first. Infants should not receive the third dose before 24 weeks of age. 90003 90002 Learn more about the benefits of the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns here. 90003 90028 How long does it last? 90029 90002 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), «the complete vaccine series induces protective antibody levels» in over 95% of the infants, children, and adolescents who receive it.90003 90002 Immune memory induced by the HBV vaccine can last for at least 30 years in healthy people. That said, studies into the duration of the protection that the vaccine offers are ongoing. 90003 90028 Side effects 90029 90002 Many people tolerate the HBV vaccine well. 90003 90002 According to the CDC, the most common side effects of the HBV vaccine are fever and soreness at the injection site. A person may also experience swelling, redness, and hard skin in this area. 90003 90002 Very rarely, HBV vaccination can induce a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.90003 90002 Learn more about the possible effects of the HBV vaccine here. 90003 90028 Is it live? 90029 90002 The HBV vaccine contains no live virus. This makes it safe for women to receive during pregnancy and lactation. 90003 90002 HBV infections can cause a range of life threatening complications, including: 90003 90032 90033 90256 Cirrhosis. 90257 This causes scarring on the liver and inhibits liver functions. It can lead to liver failure. 90034 90033 90256 Liver failure. 90257 Also known as end stage liver disease, this can progress either rapidly or over a longer period.The liver can not replace damaged cells or function. 90034 90033 90256 Liver cancer. 90257 Chronic HPV increases the risk of liver cancer. 90034 90053 90002 Although HBV is a significant health concern around the world, for most people, the vaccine offers effective protection against the virus. 90003 90028 Q: 90029 90002 What is the most dangerous type of hepatitis? 90003 90028 A: 90029 90002 There are five types of viral hepatitis: hepatitis A through hepatitis E. All of these are dangerous in that they can potentially cause liver damage.90003 90002 Some types, including hepatitis A and E, cause predominantly short term infections that the immune system will eventually clear. Others types, such as hepatitis B, C, and D, can cause both acute and chronic infections. 90003 90002 In chronic hepatitis, the immune system can not clear the virus, so it can continue to cause liver damage. This can lead to serious complications, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer. 90003 90002 To prevent potentially dangerous illnesses or complications from any type of hepatitis, be sure to practice proper preventative measures and receive hepatitis vaccinations, which are available for hepatitis A and B.90003 90284 Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. 90285 90286 Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. 90287.