Viral hepatitis B
- On 30/09/2025
What is the hepatitis B virus?
The virus that causes hepatitis B (VHB) is known as hepatitis B virale. This is a potentially serious illness that may be acute (short-lived) or develop into a chronic form with problems.
What are the many viral hepatitis types?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. They most frequently have a viral origin, although they can also be brought on by alcohol, drugs, plants, or chemical products. The many viral hepatitis types are identified by an alphabetical letter according to the virus that caused them: A, B, C, D, and E. They can be divided into three categories based on how they are contaminated:
- hepatitis of dietary origin: hepatitis A and E;
- hepatitis transmitted by the blood and sexual relations: hepatitis B and D;
- hepatitis transmitted by the blood: hepatitis C. In some situations, it may be expressed during sexual relationships where there is saignment.
Is hepatitis B a common disease?
In the world, it is estimated that 2.5 billion people are infected or have been infected by the hepatitis B virus, which is one out of three people! Hepatitis B is the most common of viral hepatitis. Currently, approximately 350 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis B, and it is estimated that cancerous complications of this disease cause one million deaths each year, making hepatitis B the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality after tobacco.
Modes of transmission
HBV is transmitted through:
- Blood (unsafe transfusions, sharing of needles, contaminated equipment).
- The sexual route (unprotected intercourse).
- From mother to child (transmission at birth).
- Contaminated objects (razors, needles, tattooing equipment, etc.).
Acute hepatitis B (1 to 6 months after infection)
Some have no symptoms, but when they appear, we find:
Intense fatigue
Slight fever
Muscle and joint pain
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
Abdominal pain (especially in the liver area, right side)
Dark urine (cola-colored)
Discolored (pale) stools
Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
Itching sometimes
Chronic hepatitis B
Often asymptomatic for several years. When the signs appear, they are related to liver damage:
Persistent fatigue
General malaise
Chronic abdominal pain
Signs of advanced liver disease: ascites (swollen abdomen), edema, easy bleeding, persistent jaundice, weight loss.
Prevention, complications, and treatments of hepatitis B
Prevention against the virus
Vaccination
The hepatitis B vaccine is the most effective means.
Recommended schedule: 3 doses (at birth, then boosters).
Provides long-lasting protection.
Prevention of blood transmission
Use sterile, single-use medical equipment (syringes, needles).
Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, or any sharp objects.
Make sure that the tattooing, piercing, or care equipment is properly sterilized.
Systematic blood control before transfusion.
Prevention of sexual transmission
Use condoms during sexual intercourse.
Limit the number of sexual partners.
Get tested with your partner.
Prevention of mother-to-child transmission
Screening of pregnant women.
If the mother is a carrier of the virus:
Vaccination + immunoglobulins for the baby within 24 hours of birth.
Hygiene and screening
Good hygiene during medical and aesthetic treatments.
Screening of at-risk individuals (partners of patients, healthcare personnel, injectable drug users).
Diagnostic
Serological blood tests (the most important ones)
They allow for the identification of the presence of the virus and the immune response:
HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen): indicates that the person is infected.
Anti-HBs (anti-HBs antibodies): indicates immunity (recovery or vaccination).
Anti-HBc (anti-core antibodies):
IgM → recent (acute) infection
IgG → old or chronic infection
HBeAg (e antigen): sign of active viral replication (high contagiousness).
Anti-HBe: indicates a decrease in viral replication.
Viral load (HBV DNA)
Measures the amount of virus in the blood.
Allows for the evaluation of contagiousness and monitoring of treatment effectiveness.
Liver function tests
Liver enzyme dosage (ALAT, ASAT).
Check for inflammation or liver damage.
Additional tests to evaluate the liver
Abdominal ultrasound: visualizes the liver, detects cirrhosis or tumors.
Fibroscan: measures liver stiffness (fibrosis, cirrhosis).
Liver biopsy (rare today): direct analysis of liver tissue.
Natural support measures
Lifestyle
Avoid alcohol: it worsens liver damage.
Avoid self-medication: some medications and plants are toxic to the liver.
Maintain a healthy weight: excess fat in the liver accelerates progression.
Balanced diet: rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low in saturated fats and sugars.
Plants and supplements studied
Milk thistle (silymarin): protects liver cells, improves regeneration.
Turmeric: anti-inflammatory, protects the liver.
Artichoke: promotes digestion and supports liver function.
Green tea (catechins): antioxidant.
Ginger and garlic: boost immunity.