Hepatitis B
Definition
Hepatitis B is inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the liver due to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Other types of hepatitis include: See also:
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The hepatitis B virus spreads through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and other body fluids. Infection can occur if you have: - Blood transfusions
- Contact with blood in health care settings
- Had direct contact with the blood of an infected person by touching an open wound or being stuck with a needle
- Had unprotected sex with an infected person
- Received a tattoo or acupuncture with contaminated instruments
- Shared needles during drug use
- Shared personal items (such as toothbrushes, razors, and nail clippers) with an infected person
The hepatitis B virus can be passed to an infant during childbirth if the mother is infected. Other risk factors for hepatitis B infection include: - Being born, or having parents who were born in regions with high infection rates (including Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean)
- Having multiple sex partners
- Men having sex with men
- Being on hemodialysis
- Being infected with HIV
Hepatitis B infections may be acute or chronic. - Acute hepatitis B is the 3 - 6 month period after becoming infected.
- Chronic hepatitis B is when the hepatitis B virus remains in a person's body. These people are considered to be carriers of hepatitis B, even if they do not have any symptoms.
Most of the damage from the hepatitis B virus is due to the body's response to the infection. When the body's immune system detects the infection, it sends out special cells to fight it off. However, these disease-fighting cells can lead to liver inflammation.
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