Hepatitis B (Hepatitis B, known as HBV) is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus, transmitted mainly through blood, mother and child and sexual contact. Hepatitis B has high global morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in developing countries and regions, and is one of the major causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatic cell cancer. This paper will elaborate on the diagnosis of hepatitis B, the measures to combat it and their importance.
I. Diagnosis of hepatitis B
Hepatitis B diagnosis is based mainly on clinical performance, laboratory and video screening.
1. Clinical performance
The clinical performance of hepatitis B varies according to course and severity, and can be classified as acute hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis B.
Acute hepatitis B: Patients may suffer from symptoms such as weakness, reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, yellow salivating, urine intensities, but some patients may not have visible symptoms.
Chronic Hepatitis B: Most patients have no visible symptoms and only hepatic abnormalities or hepatitis B virus infection positive were detected during medical examinations. Some patients may suffer from non-specific symptoms such as fatigue and discomfort in the upper right.
Laboratory inspection
Laboratory examinations are the core means for the diagnosis of hepatitis B, consisting mainly of the following:
Hepatitis B virus marker detection: Hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg), Hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs), Hepatitis B antigens (HBAg), Hepatitis B antibodies (anti-HBB) and Hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) are tested through ELISA or chemical photolytic methods.
HBV DNA testing: The detection of HBV DNA levels in serums through polymeric chain reaction (PCR) techniques is used to assess viral replicability and transmission.
Hepatic function testing: detection of indicators such as sero-eclampase (ALT) and savanna (AST) to assess liver damage.
3. Visual inspection
For chronic hepatitis B patients, a visual examination (e.g. abdominal ultrasound, CT or MRI) can be used to assess liver structural changes and to exclude the possibility of cirrhosis or liver cancer.
4. Hepatitis biopsy
In some cases, hepatitis biopsies can be used to assess liver inflammation and fibrosis levels to inform therapeutic decision-making.
II. Prevention and treatment of hepatitis B
The prevention and treatment of hepatitis B includes preventive measures, antiretroviral treatment and management of complications.
(i) Preventive measures
Vaccination
Hepatitis B vaccination is the most effective measure against hepatitis B.
Vaccination of newborns: All newborns should be vaccinated with the first dose of hepatitis B within 24 hours of birth and with the second and third doses, respectively, within one month and six months of birth.
High-risk groups should be vaccinated as early as possible, including medical personnel, close contact with hepatitis B patients, blood dialysis patients, etc.
2. Mother-to-child disruption
For HIV-positive pregnant women, antiviral drugs (e.g. for Novovey) should be used to reduce the load of the virus in the late stages of pregnancy (usually after 28 weeks), while hepatitis B immunoglobin (HbIG) and hepatitis B vaccine should be administered immediately after birth.
3. Avoiding high-risk behaviour
The sharing of syringes, razor blades, toothbrushes and other items that may be exposed to blood is avoided.
Take safe sex and use condoms to reduce sexual transmission risks.
Medical institutions strictly enforce sterile operations to ensure the safety of blood products.
(ii) Antiviral treatment
1. Treatment objectives
Antiviral treatment aims to inhibit HBV replication, improve liver function, slow or reverse liver fibrosis, and reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
2. Adaptation
Chronic hepatitis B patients, in particular those with high HBV DNA levels, continuing ALT rise, and hepatological evidence of visible inflammation or fibrosis.
Hepatitis B-related cirrhosis.
3. Drugs commonly used
Nucleus (acid) analogues such as Ntikawe, Tonofwe and others have the effect of inhibiting the replicability of viruses with low resistance and high safety.
Interferant: For example, polyethylene dioxin alpha, the virus can be removed through immuno-regulated but with more side effects, it needs to be used with caution.
(iii) Complication management
1. Hepatic cirrhosis
For liver cirrhosis related to hepatitis B, hepatic function, video-testing and serotonological markers should be monitored on a regular basis to prevent and treat complications (e.g., abdominal water, edible dysenteral venomosis, etc.).
Hepatic cell cancer
Chronic hepatitis B is a high-risk group for hepatocellular cancer and is subject to regular testing of the AFP and liver imaging (e.g. ultrasound, CT or MRI) for early detection and treatment of liver cancer.
III. Importance of hepatitis B prevention and treatment
Hepatitis B is a controllable disease, but because of its hidden transmission and its high chronicity, many patients are unable to detect and treat in a timely manner after infection, leading to serious health consequences. By strengthening vaccination, raising public health awareness and regulating antiretroviral treatment, the incidence and mortality of hepatitis B can be significantly reduced and the quality of life of patients improved.
Concluding remarks
The fight against hepatitis B is a long-term and complex task that requires the joint efforts of Governments, medical institutions and individuals. Comprehensive control of hepatitis B can be achieved through scientific means of diagnosis, effective preventive measures and regulated treatment programmes to reduce its social and family hazards. In the future, as medical technology continues to improve, the cure or total eradication of hepatitis B will be possible.
Hepatitis B virus
