What is the pathology of hepatitis B?
The pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of hepatitis B are due to the interaction of the virus and the host immune system, which leads to liver injury and, potentially, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients can have either an acute symptomatic disease or an asymptomatic disease.
What is the pathophysiology of hepatitis?
Viruses enter the blood stream and spread to the liver. They infect the hepatocytes and multiply. They change the antigen structure on the virus site. The body begins to use self-mediated immune response attempting to damage the hepatocytes.
What pathogen causes hepatitis B virus?
Hepatitis B infection is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is passed from person to person through blood, semen or other body fluids.
What is hepatitis pathogenicity?
Hepatitis viruses are important human pathogens that cause severe liver disease worldwide. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes acute hepatitis in humans, and as a potential agent of bioterrorism (BT) it poses a threat to the safety of the blood supply.
What is hepatitis Medscape?
Hepatitis, a general term referring to inflammation of the liver, may result from various causes, both infectious (ie, viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic organisms) and noninfectious (eg, alcohol, drugs, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic diseases); this article focuses on viral hepatitis, which accounts for more …
What is hepatitis B test?
The “Hepatitis B Panel” of Blood Tests HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) – A “positive” or “reactive” HBsAg test result means that the person is infected with hepatitis B. This test can detect the actual presence of the hepatitis B virus (called the “surface antigen”) in your blood.
Who is at risk for hepatitis B?
Although anyone can get hepatitis B, these people are at greater risk: Infants born to infected mothers. People who inject drugs or share needles, syringes, and other types of drug equipment. Sex partners of people with hepatitis B.
What is the prevention of hepatitis B?
The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to be fully vaccinated. The World Health Organization recommends vaccinating babies within 24 hours of birth, followed by 2 to 3 additional doses within 6 months.
What is the Icteric phase of hepatitis?
Phase 3 (icteric phase) – Patients may note dark urine, followed by pale-colored stools; in addition to the predominant gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and malaise, patients become icteric and may develop right upper quadrant pain with hepatomegaly.