Hepatitis B- An Emerging Global Health Problem

Viral hepatitis today is a major global health threat, in particular hepatitis B if unchecked can turn into an epidemic. Hepatitis B infection is particularly important in the Asian- Pacific region with the majority of infections being acquired perinatally or in early childhood. Concurrent infections with hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV viruses may occur and complicate the natural course of chronic hepatitis B virus ( c/c HBV) infection. Despite recent advances in the treatment of c/c HBV infections, the results of treatment are still unsatisfactory. The development of new drugs and new strategies especially combination or sequential antiviral therapy is the highest priority in improving the outcomes of treatment. This article explores the prevalence of hepatitis B world wide with a focus on India, the different modes of transmission, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. In addition it also looks upon the recent WHO guidelines targeted towards a comprehensive approach to the prevention of hepatitis B.