Hepatitis B 17th 04 22.edited

Hepatitis B is a liver inflammation attributed to alcohol use, drugs/toxins, autoimmune or viral infections. World Health Organization (WHO) defines Hepatitis B as a life-threatening viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is an infection that affects the liver leading to acute and chronic disease like liver cancer and cirrhosis that claims many lives (WHO, 2021). Hepatitis B virus is spread through direct contact with the victim, like a mother to child during birth and delivery, blood or other body fluids contact, especially during sex with an infected partner. The virus is also transmitted through exposure to sharp instruments like razor blades, needles, and unsafe injections that have been in contact with an infected person. According to W.H.O. (2019), 230,154 people were living with chronic hepatitis B (C.H.B.), representing 0.9% of Australia's population, a rate that has increased from 0.74% in 2004. W.H.O. estimates 1.5 million infections of hepatitis B and over eight hundred thousand deaths attributed to cirrhosis and liver cancer globally each year. However, WHO (2019) confirms that C.H.B. claimed 427 Australian lives, with 316 and 111 deaths attributed to hepatocellular carcinoma (H.C.C.) and cirrhosis consecutively. Unfortunately, hepatitis B infects all people regardless of age or gender. Children are more prone to chronic hepatitis B. Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders contact HBV more than non-indigenous Australians. The essay will offer a thorough discussion of pathophysiology, pharmacological treatments, and patient education consideration of hepatitis B to understand better the origin, impact, and prevention of hepatitis B.