Dr Paul T Francis, MD Community Medicine College of Medicine, Zawia Viral Hepatitis B Dr Paul T Francis, MD Community Medicine College of Medicine, Zawia

Viral Hepatitis B Agent factors Hepatitis B virus Source of infection – Man (cases and carriers) Infective material – Blood and blood products mainly (all body fluids may contain virus)

Hepatitis B virus particles

Hepatitis B virus

Host factors Some occupational groups like doctors, nurses, blood bank and laboratory technicians have high risk of getting the disease

Mode of transmission Parenteral – blood transfusion, sharing of injection needle, injury with contaminated needle, razor etc. Other sources – sexual route

Incubation period 50-180 days

Prevention and control Primary prevention Vaccination In Libya all children are immunized against Hepatitis B One dose at birth 3 doses at 2nd, 4th and 6th months as Penta vaccine Testing of blood before transfusion Use of sterile needles and syringes (use only once) Health education

Prevention and control Secondary prevention Early diagnosis and treatment Since there is no antiviral drugs supportive therapy to be given