Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Hbv Infection

Overview

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an infection of the liver caused by hepatitis B virus. Having chronic hepatitis B infection puts you at increased risk of developing liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure.

Signs and Symptoms

Fever, Pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, Nausea and vomiting, Loss of appetite, Dark urine, Joint pain, Weakness, Fatigue, Jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin)

Common Causes

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) spread through blood or other body fluids

Risk Factors

Sharing of needles and syringes during intravenous drug use, Unprotected sex with people infected with hepatitis B virus, Having multiple sex partners, Living with people infected with hepatitis B virus, Occupations that expose you to blood or needle stick injuries, Babies born to mothers with hepatitis B infection, Travel to countries with high infection rates of hepatitis B such as Asia or Africa

Investigation Techniques

Medical history, Physical examination, Blood tests, Transient elastography is a special form of liver ultrasound that shows the extent of liver damage, Liver biopsy to look for liver damage

Treatment and Prevention

Antiviral medications such as tenofovir and lamivudine, Interferon injections, Liver transplant, Can be prevented by hepatitis B vaccination, having protected sex, avoiding the use of illicit drugs, being cautious about tattoing and body piercing