Various estimates suggest that in our country, there are
20 to 25 million Hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive persons and another
10 million Hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive cases. The irony, doctors
assert, is that a majority of such persons are unaware that they are
infected resulting in a silent HBV infection.
Gastroenterologists
regret that many are unaware about the existence of a HBV vaccine and
there is no age limit for its administration. Any person who has tested
positive for HBsAg, which is usually done during routine blood tests,
should opt for a simple liver function test to ascertain whether they
are inactive HBV carriers.
“Inactive carriers are
those who have HBV virus in their body but the viral DNA level is less
than 2,000 International Units. Such persons do not have inflammation of
liver and liver function is normal. However, they should careful
because once their immunity levels drop, then HBV simply emerges,” says
Head of Gastroenterology and Hepatology department, Yashoda Hospitals,
Dr. B. Ravi Shankar.
So what is hepatitis? Hepatitis
is inflammation of liver due to viral infection. There are four types of
hepatitis that include A, B, C, D and E. Of the four, types B and C
cause chronic liver diseases and lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer.
Usually, the type D virus occurs with HBV and doctors maintain that HBV
vaccination will be enough to keep the type D at bay.
Doctors
maintain that spreading awareness on various hepatitis, causes,
symptoms and cure among general public is important. “Doctors should
spread awareness about these viruses. General public should know that
vaccine exists for Hepatitis A and B. Awareness very important,” says
Dr. Ravi Shankar.
Mainly, Hepatitis A and E are
caused due to exposure to polluted water and food and vaccination for
hepatitis A is available. “Many tend to compare hepatitis B with HIV.
This should not be done. Adults should opt for screening for hepatitis
virus. Hepatitis B and C are mainly is transmitted through blood
transfusions, contaminated injections during medical procedures,
transmission from infected mothers to children is also possible,”
doctors said.
