Various estimates suggest that in our country, there are 20 to 25 million Hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive persons and another 10 million Hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive cases. The irony, doctors assert, is that a majority of such persons are unaware that they are infected resulting in a silent HBV infection.
Gastroenterologists regret that many are unaware about the existence of a HBV vaccine and there is no age limit for its administration. Any person who has tested positive for HBsAg, which is usually done during routine blood tests, should opt for a simple liver function test to ascertain whether they are inactive HBV carriers.
“Inactive carriers are those who have HBV virus in their body but the viral DNA level is less than 2,000 International Units. Such persons do not have inflammation of liver and liver function is normal. However, they should careful because once their immunity levels drop, then HBV simply emerges,” says Head of Gastroenterology and Hepatology department, Yashoda Hospitals, Dr. B. Ravi Shankar.
So what is hepatitis? Hepatitis is inflammation of liver due to viral infection. There are four types of hepatitis that include A, B, C, D and E. Of the four, types B and C cause chronic liver diseases and lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer. Usually, the type D virus occurs with HBV and doctors maintain that HBV vaccination will be enough to keep the type D at bay.
Doctors maintain that spreading awareness on various hepatitis, causes, symptoms and cure among general public is important. “Doctors should spread awareness about these viruses. General public should know that vaccine exists for Hepatitis A and B. Awareness very important,” says Dr. Ravi Shankar.
Mainly, Hepatitis A and E are caused due to exposure to polluted water and food and vaccination for hepatitis A is available. “Many tend to compare hepatitis B with HIV. This should not be done. Adults should opt for screening for hepatitis virus. Hepatitis B and C are mainly is transmitted through blood transfusions, contaminated injections during medical procedures, transmission from infected mothers to children is also possible,” doctors said.
Keywords: World Hepatitis Day, Hepatitis
Assuming that 25 million carriers are around, should the Government plan to vaccinate 1 billion plus healthy individuals? If this logic was used in the past then we would still be vaccinating millions and billions of babies, children and adults against small pox virus! Spend the money to provide clean environment, water and food which will prevent the spread of hepatitis and other diseases.
Viral hepatitis literally means hepatitis caused by any virus and
there are so many, targeting liver as the primary (only)organ or as
secondary (or)as one of the organs. However, the viral hepatitis
refers to hapatitis caused by hepatitis viruses ie HAV, HBV, HCV,HDV,
HEV and others HFV (?) HGV etc. Out of these HAV and HEV do not cause
chronic infections and there are no chronic carriers. While HBV,HCV
can cause chronic infections and there are chronic carriers (HBV-3-5%,
and HCV-1-2%) with or without evidence of hepatitis. HDV is a
defective virus ie it can not multiply on its own as it always need
the help of HBV to replicate, therfore, if HBV infection is
eradicated, there will not be any infection of HDV. At present vaccine
against HAV (inactivated vaccine)and HBV (recobinant vaccine, yeast
derived)are available and both are effective. Use of these vaccine can
eradicate these infections ie HA and HB; and simultaneuly HDV
infections, so strong efforts are needed by government.
such tests should be made at all colleges and schools.This can be done
at nominal costs by drug companies and charitable organisations that are
getting tax concessions
We all knows that Hepatitis is Fatal.
I think it is the responsibility of Ministry of Health to treat Hepatitis A,B,C,D and E like Polio and starts awareness programs and vaccination across country.
As if know there no any proper drug to cure hepatitis. Government should take initiative to do R&D and bring life saving Drug.
I Think it is time to say
"Hepatitis Free India"
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