Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): Key Information

What is Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)?

Hepatitis B virus, commonly referred to as HBV, replicates in the liver, leading to inflammation and potentially causing cirrhosis or liver cancer. Symptoms can vary and may not always be present. Typically, older individuals are more likely to exhibit symptoms, but only a blood test can confirm the infection. Possible symptoms of Hepatitis B include:

• Yellow skin (jaundice)
• Yellowing of the eyes
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea

Global and UK Prevalence

The World Health Organisation estimates that over 350 million people worldwide are chronically infected with HBV. In many high-prevalence regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, most of Asia, and the Pacific islands, more than 10% of the population is affected by Hepatitis B. In contrast, the UK has a very low prevalence of HBV, although rates can vary across the country.

New infections in the UK have decreased from an average of 260,000 annually in the 1980s to about 60,000 in 2004. The highest infection rates are among individuals aged 20 to 49. The significant decline, particularly among children and adolescents, is attributed to routine Hepatitis B vaccinations.

Transmission and Risk

Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through:

• Sexual contact with an infected person
• Sharing needles or syringes used for drug injection
• Transmission from an infected mother to her baby during birth
• Exposure to sharp objects during work

However, like HIV, Hepatitis B is not spread through casual contact such as handshakes, sharing food, touching doorknobs, sneezing, using toilet seats, or swimming pools. HBV is significantly more contagious than HIV, being up to 100 times easier to contract. The virus can survive outside the body for up to 7 days or even longer under certain conditions.

Approximately 90% of adults who contract Hepatitis B will clear the virus and develop immunity within a few months. Only about 10% of those infected will develop a chronic infection, where the virus remains in the blood, continually damaging liver cells.

Vaccination and Recommendations

A vaccine for Hepatitis B is available and is administered in three doses over a 6-month period. The vaccine is both safe and effective, and booster doses are generally not needed as immunity persists indefinitely following immunisation.

Individuals in professions with potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens should be offered the HBV vaccine free of charge. This includes:

• First aid providers
• Medical aid providers for students
• Bathroom care assistants
• Medical or dental office staff
• Custodians responsible for cleaning and decontaminating surfaces
• Those handling regulated medical waste