Acute viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B Virus)

DNA virus, incubation period 4-26 wks

Diseases 

 - Acute hepatitis with recovery.

 - Non progressive chronic hepatitis.

 - Progressive chronic disease>cirrhosis.
 - Fulminant hepatitis.
 - Asymptomatic carrier state (presence of HBsAg in serum for 6 months or longer).
 - Hepatocellular carcinoma.

Modes of Transmission

Ø Vertical

·        Perinatal during childbirth (high prevalence regions).

Ø Horizontal

 -   Through minor cuts in skin or mucous membranes (intermediate prevalence regions).
 -   Sexual & intravenous (low prevalence regions).

Prevention

 - Vaccination.
 - Screening of donor blood, & tissues.
Anti-HBs may persist for life, conferring protection; a basis for vaccination using noninfectious HBsAg