General Information About Hepatitis B
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a contagious viral disease that settles and multiplies in liver cells, causing inflammation (hepatitis) in the organ.
It is transmitted through contact with an infected person's blood or other body fluids (semen, vaginal fluids). Unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, non-sterile tattoo/piercing instruments, and transmission from mother to baby during birth are the most common routes.
The first 6 months after the virus is acquired is the acute phase; the vast majority of adults clear the virus from their bodies during this phase and gain immunity. If the virus remains in the blood for more than 6 months, the disease has become chronic (permanent).
During the acute phase, fatigue, nausea, pain in the upper right abdomen, darkening of urine color, and jaundice in the eyes are seen. Once chronic, it may show no symptoms for years until the liver sustains serious damage (cirrhosis stage).
The presence of the infection is proven by a positive HBsAg antigen in serological blood tests. To see the extent of damage to the liver, an ultrasound and liver biopsy may be performed.
There is no definitive cure that completely wipes chronic Hepatitis B infection from the body. However, the disease is very successfully kept under control with oral antiviral medications that stop the virus from multiplying and prevent liver damage.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
