31 mars 2023
Transmitted sexually or through the blood, hepatitis B is a liver infection that can lead to cirrhosis and then to liver cancer. Fortunately, the disease can be prevented by vaccination.
There are five main strains of the virus: A, B, C, D and E. They differ in their mode of transmission and their aggressiveness. Let’s look at strain B, an infection that attacks the liver, multiplies there and causes the destruction of hepatic cells, the hepatocytes.
France is one of the so-called “low endemic” countries for the hepatitis B virus: it concerns less than 1% of the population. In comparison, its prevalence varies from 8 to 20% in so-called “highly endemic” areas (sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, etc.).
An infection that often goes unnoticed
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is easily transmitted through the blood (when exchanging needles for example). But in France, new infections mainly occur during unprotected sex.
Hepatitis B is often asymptomatic. But in 10 to 30% of cases, signs such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting or flu syndrome are found.
There are two main forms of the disease. An acute form declaring itself one to six months after infection. And a chronic form. This means that after the phase of contamination and acute infection, the body has not succeeded in eliminating the virus and that the patients remain permanently contaminated.
This form can progress to fibrosis or cirrhosis. ” It is difficult to predict which people will or will not be able to eliminate the virus from their bodies. “, notes Inserm. ” The general condition of the person, his alcohol consumption, the presence of concomitant infections and many other factors can influence the course of the disease. »
Finally, a third form of hepatitis B, infrequent but serious, can be mentioned: one out of a hundred, in fact, the infection is said to be “fulminant”, jeopardizing the immediate survival of the patient. A liver transplant is then urgently needed.
A blood test
Since the symptoms are not very specific, only a blood test can reveal the infection. Objective: to search for markers that testify to an immune reaction directed against the virus. The blood test also gives information on a current, old or chronic infection.
What treatment?
In 90% of cases, hepatitis B heals spontaneously. In the case of chronic forms, the patient is placed “under surveillance” by his doctor who adapts the management in order to stop the progression of the disease towards a risk of cirrhosis.
But the best way to not be affected by the disease remains above all prevention. A vaccine against hepatitis B exists. Vaccination is also compulsory in certain professions (health professionals, emergency personnel, etc.) and recommended before any trip to highly endemic areas.