Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by HBV, a DNA virus in the Hepdnaviridae family, resulting in inflammation of the carrier's liver cells. It is transmitted through contact with blood or body secretions contaminated by the virus. Thus, blood transfusions, sex without a condom and sharing needles, syringes and sharp objects are the main forms of contamination. Carrier mothers can contaminate their children during pregnancy, childbirth and, in very rare cases, breastfeeding.
The incubation period varies between 30 and 180 days, with malaise, body aches, and lack of appetite and fever being the first symptoms; which are followed by jaundice (yellow skin), itchy body, dark urine, and pale stools.
In most cases (99%), such manifestations cease in approximately six weeks, leaving the patient immune to this virus. However, some individuals develop chronic hepatitis B, with a higher incidence being observed among those who drink alcoholic beverages, children, babies and immunocompromised individuals. There are approximately 350 million people affected, this can trigger, in the long term, cirrhosis, liver cancer or even death.
Diagnosis is made by interviewing and analyzing blood samples in order to check for viral particles and/or antibodies. To assess liver involvement, biopsy of this material may be necessary, and the need for liver transplantation may be raised.
The treatment is done only to avoid the symptoms and complications of the disease, with the ingestion of alcohol or the use of drugs without a medical prescription being expressly prohibited. In the case of chronic hepatitis, the correct treatment is necessary to avoid the evolution of the disease, and it is essential that it be accompanied by a competent professional. The duration can extend for more than twelve months, depending on the seriousness of the case.
Considering the aforementioned forms of transmission, avoiding such situations is necessary. In addition, babies must be vaccinated within the first month of life; people who have been exposed to a situation of risk need to receive doses of hyperimmune gamma globulin (specific antibody against hepatitis B), to avoid contamination or reduce its symptoms; health professionals cannot give up the use of personal protective equipment when they come into contact with blood or body fluids; and newborns of carrier mothers need to receive gamma globulin and vaccine immediately. Adults who did not receive the vaccine as children should be vaccinated, especially those who belong to the risk group.
Important:
The probability of transmission by HBV is much higher than by the AIDS virus – approximately 30%.
THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH WARNS:
Self-medication can have unwanted and unanticipated effects, as the wrong medicine not only does not cure, it can worsen your health.
By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
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