Chennai: World Hepatitis Day was commemorated recently to enhance awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes a range of health problems, including liver cancer.
The objective of Hepatitis Day is to educate the public across the globe on the importance of screening and vaccination.
Viral hepatitis is a cause for major health care burden in India and is now equated as a threat comparable to the ‘big three’ communicable diseases – HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, said Dr Joy Varghese, director – Hepatology & Transplant Hepatology, Gleneagles Global Health City.
Around 10,800 people were screened for Hepatitis B virus in last one year (June 2019 to July 2020) at our hospital and the samples considered for the study did not have any prior history of liver ailments and were sourced from blood bank and labs data.
Out of 10,800 people, 132 people tested positive for Hepatitis B, which roughly translates to 1.22 per cent of the samples tested. This 1.22 per cent can be considered as a barometer for the prevalence of Hepatitis B in Chennai, which is higher than the developed countries, said Dr Joy Varghese.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are predominantly spread via the parenteral route that means these viruses enter our body through contaminated needle prick/blood, blood products, unsafe sex and from infected mother to baby.
Hepatitis B & Hepatitis C are the major cause of chronic hepatitis which can lead to grave complications including cirrhosis of the liver and primary liver cancer.
There are two stages in Hepatitis B Virus – HBV carrier and chronic hepatitis B. HBV carrier does not require antiviral medication, but chronic Hepatitis B needs anti-HBV drugs mostly life-long and would require regular follow up.
Continuous immunisation program is the only possible way to lower the prevalence of viral hepatitis in India. Government Institutions, private healthcare providers, NGOs, and media should join hands and play a pivotal role in curbing the spread of HPB by creating awareness programs on hepatitis and vaccination.