Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids, often through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to baby. While many people recover fully, some develop chronic infection, which can lead to serious liver damage like cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern, leading to acute and chronic liver disease. Chronic HBV infection is a major risk factor for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), necessitating lifelong monitoring and management.
| Condition | Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|
| Viral Hepatitis A | Typically causes acute, self-limiting illness with fecal-oral transmission. Serology will show anti-HAV IgM. |
| Viral Hepatitis C | Primarily bloodborne transmission, often leads to chronic infection. Serology will show anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA. |
| Alcoholic Hepatitis | History of heavy alcohol consumption, AST:ALT ratio typically >2:1. Liver biopsy may show Mallory bodies. |
| Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) | Associated with metabolic syndrome (obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia). Liver biopsy shows steatosis, inflammation, and ballooning. |
| Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI) | Temporal relationship with medication use. Liver enzyme patterns can vary. Discontinuation of offending agent is key. |
| Autoimmune Hepatitis | Characterized by autoantibodies (e.g., ANA, SMA, anti-LKM1). Often responds to immunosuppressive therapy. |
Management of Hepatitis B depends on whether the infection is acute or chronic and the presence of liver damage. Acute hepatitis B is typically supportive care. Chronic hepatitis B requires antiviral therapy with agents like tenofovir or entecavir to suppress viral replication and prevent progression to cirrhosis and HCC, along with regular monitoring for liver disease complications.