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Pathology

DNA virus, endemic in Asia, China and South America

Aetiology

Exchange of body fluids: sexual intercourse, vertical transmission from mother to baby, needle sharing, needle stick, blood transfusion. Incubation time 2-6 months

Signs

Jaundice

Symptoms

Asymptomatic, malaise, anorexia, abdominal pain, arthritis, rash

Investigations

Bloods: LFTs show raised AST and ALT
Microbiology: Hepatitis B serology

Treatment

Medical: Pegylated Interferon-alpha, Nucleotide Analogues such as Tenofovir to 
inhibit viral replication
Surgical: Liver transplantation and HBV immunoglobulin to prevent recurrence
Vaccination: Immunisation for high-risk patients

Prognosis

1% develop acute liver failure
90-95 % clear spontaneously
5-10 % become carriers
Hepatocellular carcinoma, Cirrhosis. Co-infection with Hepatitis D has a faster 
progression to complications.

Key Facts

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Key References

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