The Risks, Concerns, and Prevention of the Hepatitis B Virus

Hepatitis B is an infectious inflammatory infection that is caused by the virus of the same name.  Hepatitis B is considered to be a hepadnavirus meaning the virus is attracted by the liver (hepa) and is a DNA virus, which has a circular genome of DNA that is partially double-stranded.  The virus replicates by reverse transcription through an RNA intermediate, which all takes place within the infected host’s liver.   The disease, originally known as “serum hepatitis”, has been the root of several epidemics in the continents Asia and Africa, while considered an endemic in China.  Because of its large exposure and easy transmissibility, the Hepatitis B Virus has infected up to one third of the entire world’s population at some point in their lives.  Also, there are currently 350 millions people who are chronic carriers of the disease. 

            The virus transmits through the exposure of infected blood or body fluids that are passed during sexual activity.  The virus also has been detected in saliva, tears, and urine of chronic carriers, but fortunately, the Hepatitis B virus cannot be transmitted through acts such as kissing, coughing, sneezing, or the sharing of food utensils.  Because of the sheer magnitude of the virus’s reach, those in developing countries that lack proper health care and vaccination are more susceptible to contamination. Although perinatal infection is actually one of the largest routes in transmittal, other risk factors for contracting Hepatitis B Virus include tattooing and shaving with infected needles and razors, blood transfusions, and even sharing of a toothbrush with an infected person. 

            Common symptoms of the acute illness of Hepatitis B are inflammation of the liver, vomiting, jaundice, and although infrequently rare, death.  If one has chronic Hepatitis B, he or she may eventually contract cirrhosis or even liver cancer, which at the moment lacks constructive therapies.  The infection one gets from the Hepatitis B virus is highly associated with acute viral hepatitis, which is an illness that begins with the decrease in general health, loss of appetite, nausea, and fever that can eventually lead to the contraction of jaundice, as previously mentioned.  Also, it has been noted that itchy skin is a symptom of all hepatitis virus types.  The infection lasts a few weeks and then gradually improves in most people, although those with previous liver problems are likely to undergo more severe issues. 

            The HepatitisB vaccine, developed from the virus, is produced with yeast cells that have been altered with a genetic code.  The vaccine is injected over a course of two to three injections, in which the first two are separated by a month, with the last injection taking place six months after the initial injection.  After the injections, the bloodstream establishes an immune system antibody, which provides complete immunity to the hepatitis B infection.  The invention of the vaccine began in 1968 by virologist Alfred Prince, which was then expanded on by Maurice Hilleman.  After extensive research for a number of years by Hilleman, the vaccine was approved in 1981.  The vaccine is still in production today, can be acquired easily at a travel clinic, and it has gone a long way in preventing the worldwide spread of the easily transmittable hepatitis B virus.