Liver
Hepatitis B & C
Viral infections spread through blood, unsafe injections, unscreened transfusions, sexual contact (mainly hepatitis B) and from mother to baby. Many people carry them for years without symptoms.
Common symptoms
- Often no symptoms
- Found during blood donation, pregnancy or pre-surgery tests
- Later: jaundice, swelling of the legs or belly
Causes and risk factors
- Unsafe injections and reused needles
- Blood transfusions that were not screened
- Mother to baby at birth (mainly hepatitis B)
- Unprotected sexual contact (mainly hepatitis B)
- Tattoos, piercing or dental work with unsterile tools
How it is diagnosed
HBsAg and anti-HCV blood tests screen for infection. Viral load tests (HBV DNA, HCV RNA), liver tests and a liver stiffness test decide whether and how to treat.
Treatment
Hepatitis C is curable with tablets taken for about 3 months. Hepatitis B can be controlled with medicines and regular monitoring, and is preventable with vaccination.
When to see a gastroenterologist
Any positive HBsAg or anti-HCV test, even if you feel completely well.
Common questions
Is hepatitis C curable?
Yes. Tablets taken for about 3 months cure more than 95% of people.
Can someone with hepatitis B marry and have children?
Yes. The partner should be tested and vaccinated, and the baby gets the vaccine and immunoglobulin at birth, which protects most babies.