Hepatitis B and C

Hepatitis B is spread through infected blood and other bodily fluids, usually through a breach in the skin or contact with the internal lining surfaces of the body. In countries with high rates of hepatitis B in the community, hepatitis B is most commonly spread from mother to child at birth or in early childhood.

• Originating from a country where hepatitis B is endemic, including east and south-east Asia; sub-saharan Africa and the southern parts of eastern and central Europe.
• Injecting drugs
• Unprotected sexual contact (heterosexual or homosexual)
• Tattooing with unsterilised equipment
• Needlestick injuries (eg health care workers)

Most people who acquire hepatitis B during childhood (the most common mode of acquisition) go onto develop chronic hepatitis B. People with chronic hepatitis B are at risk of progressive liver inflammation and scarring. In roughly 15% of people, this scarring becomes irreversible and leads to a state called cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis can have life-threatening complications such as liver failure and are at higher risk of liver cancer.

Patients who become newly infected as adults have more than a 95% chance of clearing the virus on their own.

People with chronic hepatitis B can be given medications which may slow the progression of cirrhosis and reduce the risk of HCC. Not all patients with chronic hepatitis B require treatment. Discussion with one of our specialists will help determine whether treatment is needed for you.

• Assessment of hepatitis B disease stage and need for treatment
• Treatment of Hepatitis B with oral antivirals such as Entecavir or Tenofovir.
• Treatment of Hepatitis B in late pregnancy to prevent viral transmission
• Access to drug trials for new Hepatitis B treatments
• Liver cancer screening in patients with Hepatitis B