Hepatitis B (HBV) is a chronic liver infection characterized by persistent presence of the virus in the blood and can lead to various forms of the disease, including acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. This virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other fluids of an infected person. Persistence of HBV can manifest in different forms such as acute hepatitis (HBV), chronic HBV (CHB) and chronic active hepatitis B (CAHB).
The main symptoms of acute hepatitis are fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine and jaundice. If left untreated, acute hepatitis can cause severe liver damage and death. However, if acute hepatitis is treated correctly, it may disappear within a few weeks. Chronic hepatitis also presents with the same symptoms as acute hepatitis. It can last up to several years and requires longer treatment.
CHB hepatitis is a more serious form of the disease and presents with signs of liver inflammation. It is caused by prolonged transmission of infection by the virus and its absence for a certain time. CHB hepatitis can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. The drugs interferon alfa and ribavirin are commonly used to treat acute and chronic hepatitis. The liver should definitely be tested for the presence of hepatitis B virus during pregnancy. Depending on the test results, your doctor may recommend a hepatitis B vaccine to prevent infection. The vaccine is recommended as a preventive measure