1. 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

2. 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)

3. Hepatitis B virus particles

4. Hepatitis B virus

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

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

7. Incubation period
days

8. 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

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