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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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