Dear Doctor,

Who is at risk of hepatitis B and in the event that one is affected, is there any treatment?

Anitha

Dear Anitha,

Hepatitis B is a viral infection affecting the liver, which is present in body fluids and spreads through them. It may subside spontaneously or more commonly causes a chronic liver disease. Cirrhosis of the liver which is an irreversible condition and liver cancer are sinister complications of hepatitis B.

The virus spreads from one person to another through unprotected sexual intercourse. It can spread through use of contaminated blood and blood products. Shared contaminated tools as used in beauty salons or hair dresser salon are also potential sources of infection. Therefore, sex workers are more prone to hepatitis B.

Those having sex outside marriage and having sex with multiple partners increase the risk of acquiring hepatitis B. People receiving contaminated blood or blood products, getting a haircut or pedicure by contaminated tools are more susceptible to hepatitis B. Pregnant women if infected can pass on the virus to their babies through the placenta or during vaginal delivery.

Individuals with HIV/AIDS are at greater risk of acquiring hepatitis B infection due to reduced immunity. The two infections mostly coexist.

There are antiviral drugs available for treatment of hepatitis B, which are effective both for prevention and treatment. Treatment is based on and monitored by detecting the viral load present in blood. Facilities for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of antiviral drugs are present in University Teaching Hospital of Kigali and Kanombe Military Hospital.

Dr Rachna Pande  is a specialist in internal medicine at Ruhengeri Hospital