Who Should Test for Hepatitis B?

Who Should Test for Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). This condition can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) and, if left untreated, can lead to severe liver problems like cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure. Given its potential complications, it's crucial to identify and manage the infection early. This starts with testing the right groups of people for HBV.

1. People from regions with a high prevalence of Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is particularly prevalent in certain parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands 1. People born in these regions or whose parents or grandparents are from these areas should be tested for HBV.

2. Pregnant women: All pregnant women should be tested for Hepatitis B during their prenatal visits. This ensures that the newborn can be protected from potential transmission during birth through the administration of a Hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin 2.

3. Healthcare and Public Safety Workers: Those who are at a higher risk of exposure to blood or body fluids, such as healthcare professionals, dentists, and public safety workers, should be tested for HBV. This includes individuals who perform tasks involving needlestick injuries or have exposure to sharps 3.

4. People living with HIV: HIV and Hepatitis B share common modes of transmission. Therefore, everyone with HIV should be tested for Hepatitis B because of the increased risk of co-infection 4.

5. Individuals who inject drugs: Those who use intravenous drugs are at an increased risk of many infections, including HBV, due to the sharing of needles and other drug paraphernalia 5.

6. Men who have sex with men: This group is at a higher risk of HBV and should be tested due to increased rates of both sexual and percutaneous exposures to the virus 6.

7. Close contacts of people with Hepatitis B: Household members or sexual partners of individuals with Hepatitis B are at a higher risk of contracting the virus and should therefore be tested 7.

8. Individuals receiving hemodialysis: Patients on dialysis have a higher exposure risk due to potential cross-contamination in dialysis centers and should undergo regular testing 8.

9. People with abnormal liver function tests: Unexplained liver enzyme elevation could be a sign of a liver disease, including Hepatitis B. Such individuals should undergo testing to determine the cause 9.

10. Blood and tissue donors: To ensure the safety of the recipient, all blood, organ, tissue, and semen donors should be screened for Hepatitis B 10.

In conclusion, while Hepatitis B is a preventable disease, early detection remains paramount in reducing its spread and associated complications. The above-listed groups represent those at an elevated risk, but anyone concerned about their exposure history or symptoms should consult with a healthcare provider regarding testing.

References:

  1. World Health Organization. (2021). Hepatitis B. ↩

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Perinatal Transmission. ↩

  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Hepatitis B and Healthcare Workers. ↩

  4. Alter, M. J. (2006). Epidemiology of viral hepatitis and HIV co-infection. Journal of Hepatology. ↩

  5. Hagan, H., Pouget, E. R., & Des Jarlais, D. C. (2011). A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions to prevent hepatitis C virus infection in people who inject drugs. Journal of Infectious Diseases. ↩

  6. Simard, E. P., et al. (2012). Human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B and C infections among homeless adolescents. Emerging Infectious Diseases. ↩

  7. Kowdley, K. V. (2004). The cost of managing chronic hepatitis B infection: a global perspective. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. ↩

  8. Finelli, L., et al. (2005). Recommendations for preventing transmission of infections among chronic hemodialysis patients. MMWR. Recommendations and Reports. ↩

  9. Pratt, D. S., & Kaplan, M. M. (2000). Evaluation of abnormal liver-enzyme results in asymptomatic patients. The New England Journal of Medicine. ↩

  10. World Health Organization. (2017). Screening donated blood for transfusion-transmissible infections. ↩

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