Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus . It is a major global health problem. It can cause chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis B virus and HIV can be transmitted in similar ways, but hepatitis B is more infectious. Hepatitis B is commonly spread from mother to child at birth (perinatal transmission), or through horizontal transmission by percutaneous or mucosal exposure to infected blood or body fluids like saliva, menstrual, vaginal & seminal fluids. Sexual transmission of hepatitis B may occur. Transmission of virus may occur through reuse of needles and syringes either in health-care settings or among persons who inject drugs. In addition, infection can occur during medical, surgical and dental procedures, through tattooing, or through the use of razors and similar objects that are contaminated with infected blood.
A vaccine against hepatitis B is available which is 95% effective in preventing infection and development of chronic disease and liver cancer due to hepatitis B. Thanks to the introduction of hepatitis B in infant immunization schedule and vaccines for adults.