Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is easily transmitted and can infect people of all ages. However, the most at risk are young adults and adolescents. The signs are variable and the disease may progress to serious complications.

The hepatitis B or HBV belongs to the family Hepadnaviridae and is the most common and most deadly liver virus worldwide

Epidemiology

Hepatitis B is common in sub-Saharan Africa and in Asia with a prevalence of 8 to 10%. Worldwide, the figure is estimated at more than 2 billion people are infected with a lower prevalence in France (150 000). The 350 million people infected with chronic hepatitis. (Source: WHO).

Incubation period

The incubation period of the virus of hepatitis B varies from 45 to 180 days (60 to 90 days on average for the duration depends on the severity of the disease).

What are the modes of contamination?

The Hepatitis B is transmitted from biological fluids and secretions.

Blood: needle sharing in intravenous drug use, razors, tattoo, piercing, occupational exposure by accidental needlestick ...

Sex (in semen and vaginal secretions) vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Transmission from mother to child is not systematic but is also common.

How to recognize hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is often asymptomatic in two thirds of cases, and people are much more likely to develop complications in the liver. Signs, if they exist, are often marked by fatigue, fever and yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes (jaundice).

Biological diagnosis

Laboratory diagnosis of hepatitis B is a blood sample in order to detect specific markers such as anti-HBV antibodies and antigens.

Evolution

In 90% of cases, hepatitis B and usually heals, healing is spontaneous. Hepatitis B can progress to fulminant hepatitis (1% of cases) or escalate into chronic (10% of cases).

Chronic forms can be complicated and lead to the destruction of the cells of the liver (cirrhosis), causing the risk of developing liver cancer.

More than 5% of infected people have no apparent signs of the disease for several years talking about carriers 'healthy'.

Treatments

The treatment of hepatitis B based on lifestyle modifications including respect for the rules rest and a healthy diet.

However, if signs persist beyond 6 months (chronic hepatitis), drugs are prescribed by the doctor:

Interferons are drugs that help to fight against hepatitis B by increasing the body's defense

The antiviral drugs that act directly against the virus by limiting their proliferation to slow the progression of the disease.

Prevention - Vaccination

The prevention of hepatitis B is based on the fight against transmission modes: use of condoms during sexual intercourse, avoid tattoos, piercings, multiple unprotected sex, contact with a blood-stained object ( needles, bandages, dental son, sanitary napkins), avoid sharing equipment toiletries (razor, toothbrush).

A screening test is recommended for pregnant women, people at risk (sex workers, people with multiple partners, drug addicts ...) and those infected with HIV.

There is a vaccine to protect against hepatitis B and is recommended for all children aged 1 to 13 years and for those at risk.