A Practical Approach to Management of Chronic Hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is one of the important public health problems worldwide. Major advances have been made in the treatment of CHB during the past several years. This article systemically reviews advances in the application of HBV DNA quantitation and three approved drugs for HBV treatment, and presents an updated and practical clinical approach to managing CHB. Highly sensitive PCR-based quantitation of HBV DNA makes it possible to precisely determine pre-treatment HBV load and monitor HBV DNA response during treatment. HBV DNA level, HBeAg status, degree of hepatic histological activity and fibrosis, and serum transaminases are the most important parameters in determining indication, regimen, and duration of HBV treatment. Although interferon alfa-2b, lamivudine, and adefovir are all approved as initial HBV treatment, understanding the advantages and advantages of each agent is important in choosing the best treatment for each individual patient with CHB.read more

Hepatitis -Definition

Hepatitis known as an inflammation of the liver , is a gastroenterological disease. Hepatitis is generally categorized as a viral or non-viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis can be considered "rapid" a position that comes on frequently with severe symptoms and for a short time or "chronic" a position that comes on slowly, may or may not have symptoms for a long time.

Lot of sickness and conditions that can lead to inflammation of the liver, for example, drugs, alcohol, chemicals, and autoimmune diseases ,which are categorize as a non viral cause & some viruses that cause inflame the liver, for example, the virus of mononucleosis and the cytomegalovirus can be categorize as a viral .However,Most viruses don't impact on liver .But when doctors speak of viral hepatitis, they generally are referring to hepatitis caused by some specific viruses that primarily attack the liver .There are number of viruses that causes hepatitis. They have been called types A, B, C, D, E, F & G. All of these viruses can result an acute disease with appearance number of weeks including yellowing of the skin and eyes called as jaundice, dark urine, high fatigue, nausea, vomiting & abdominal pain. It can take various months to a year to experience fit again. The most common hepatitis viruses are types A, B, and C
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Can Hepatitis C Be Transmitted Through Sexual Contact?

There are various possible modes of transmission for the Hepatitis C virus, however a significant portion of those infected cannot identify how they may have contracted the disease. A few of the primary suspects in HCV transmission are blood transfusions (before proper blood screening procedures were implemented) and IV drug use. Though, medical researchers are now making a case for transmission through sexual contact. Since Hepatitis C is spread through the blood, sexual transmission is entirely possible, but only when there is blood-to-blood contact with an infected individual.

Most experts believe that the risk of sexual transmission of HCV is low, however studies have shown that it is possible to spread this infectious disease when engaging in unsafe sexual behaviors. Practicing safe sex is the general rule of thumb to avoid contagion of diseases, however it’s not just limited to HIV and STD prevention. The key point to keep in mind is that the potential to spread the virus to others is more likely when blood is present.
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Stars of BBC ‘Tribe’ series hit by disease epidemic

The Matis Indians of Brazil, stars of tomorrow’s episode of ‘Tribe’ on BBC TV, are facing an epidemic which has already killed members of this tiny tribe.

The hit series returns to the UK’s TV screens tomorrow with presenter Bruce Parry’s visit to the Matis.

The Matis and many other tribes, including at least six uncontacted groups, live in the Javari Valley in the Brazilian Amazon. Ninety percent of Indians in the area suffered from malaria in 2006. A study of 306 Indians showed that a staggering 85 percent had had contact with the hepatitis A virus, while 56 percent were carrying hepatitis B and 25 percent hepatitis C.
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