Introduction about Hepatitis B : Formally known as serum hepatitis hepatitis. Usually, it is an acute self limited infection, which may be either subclinical or symptomatic. In approximately 5 to 15% of cases. Infection may cause progressive liver disease including active hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Incidence & Prevalence : It is endemic throughout the world. In India carrier rate in general population is 5 to 7%.
Agent : Hepatitis B virus is DNA virus, replicates in liver cells. It has three different antigens, surface antigen (HbsAg), a core antigen (HbcAg), and an “e” antigen (HbeAg).
Man is the only reservoir of infection
Contaminated blood is the main source of infection, although virus has been found in saliva, vaginal secretions and semen of infected person.
The virus gets destroyed by sodium hypochlorite and by autoclaving for 30 to 60 minutes.
High-risk groups are surgeons, recipients of blood transfusions, laboratory personnel, homosexuals, prostitutes, percutaneous drug abusers & infants of HBV carrier mothers.
Mode of transmission :
Parenteral : infected blood & blood products through transfusions, dialysis, contaminated syringes & needles, pricks of skin, handing of infected blood, surgical & dental procedures, immunization, traditional tattoing, ear & nose piercing, ritual circumcision, acupuncture etc.
Perinatal transmission : The sexually promiscuous, particularly male homosexuals, are at very high risk of infection.
Sexual transmission : The sexually promiscuous, particularly male homosexuals, are at very high risk of infection.
Other : Child to child through cuts or skin infection, some blood sucking arthropods are also suspected.
Incubation period : 45 to 180 days.
Prevention & control :
Primary : Vaccines available, 2 types, plasma derived & DNA yeast derived.
Immunization schedule
1st dose 1ml at elected date
2nd dose 1ml 1 month later
3rd dose 1ml 6 months after the first dose
Children under 10 years – half the dose at the same time interval.
Blood to be screened before transfusion.
Encouraging voluntary blood donation
Adequate sterilization of instruments.
Advise to use barrier method of contraception & no to share razors & brushes to carries.
Homeopathy prevention
1. Health education about blood-safety, spread of disease
2. Promotion of safe & hygienic practices and discouraging practice of unhygienic tattooing & circumcision.
3. Encouraging voluntary blood donation
4. Adequate sterilization of instruments.
5. Advise to use barrier method of contraception & not to share razors & brushes with carriers.
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