Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs In Men) (cont.)
Hepatitis B
What is hepatitis B and how is it spread?
Hepatitis B is liver inflammation (hepatitis) that is
caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV is one of several viruses that cause
viral hepatitis. Most individuals that are infected with HBV recover from the
acute phase of the hepatitis B infection, which refers to the initial rapid
onset and short course of the disease. These persons develop immunity to the
HBV, which protects them from future infection with this virus. Still,
approximately 5% of individuals infected with HBV will develop chronic or
long-lasting liver disease. These
persons are potentially infectious to others. Moreover, patients with chronic
hepatitis B are at risk for developing, over many years, severe and complicated
liver disease, liver failure, and liver cancer. These complications at times
lead to the necessity of a liver transplant.
Hepatitis B is transmitted in ways that are similar to the spread of HIV.
These modes of transmission are primarily through sexual contact, exposure to
contaminated blood, such as from sharing needles, or from infected pregnant
women to their newborns. Only 50% of acute hepatitis B infections produce
recognizable symptoms.
How can hepatitis B infection be prevented?
A highly effective vaccine that prevents hepatitis B is
currently available. It is recommended that all babies be vaccinated against HBV
beginning at birth, and all children under the age of 18 who have not been
vaccinated should also receive the vaccination. Among adults, anyone who wishes
to do so may receive the vaccine, and it is recommended especially for anyone
whose behavior or lifestyle may pose a risk of HBV infection. Examples of
at-risk groups include: (1) sexually active men and women; (2) illegal drug
users; (3) health-care workers; (4) recipients of certain blood products; (5)
household and sexual contacts of persons known to be chronically infected with
hepatitis B; (6) adoptees from countries in which hepatitis B is common, such as
Southeast Asia; (7) certain international travelers who may have sexual or blood
exposures; (8) clients and employees of facilities for the developmentally
disabled, infants and children; and (9) patients with renal failure on hemodialysis. The
vaccine is given as a series of 3 injections in the muscle tissue of the
shoulder. The second dose is administered one month after the first dose and the
third dose is given 5 months after the second dose. In the event that a
non-immunized individual (who would not have protective antibodies against HBV)
is exposed to the genital secretions or blood of an infected person, the exposed
person should receive purified hepatitis B immunoglobulin antibodies (HBIG) and initiate the
vaccine series.
How is hepatitis B infection diagnosed?
The diagnosis of hepatitis B is made by blood tests for
the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg, the outer coat of the virus), hepatitis B surface
antibody (HBsAb), and hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb). If the HBsAb antibodies
are in the blood, their presence indicates that the person has been exposed to
the virus and is immune to future infection. Furthermore, this person cannot
transmit the virus to others or develop liver disease from the infection. The
HBcAb antibodies identify both past and current infection with the HBV. If the
HbsAg antigen is in the blood, the person is infectious to others. There are
also two possible interpretations to the presence of this antigen. In one, the
person has been recently infected with HBV, may have acute viral B hepatitis,
and will develop immunity in the coming months. In the other interpretation, the
person is chronically infected with HBV, may have chronic hepatitis, and is at
risk for developing the complications of chronic liver disease.
More details regarding hepatitis B and its treatment can
be found in the Hepatitis B
article.
Next: Hepatitis C »
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