Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology specialist said that 60 to 70 percent of liver transplants are caused by Hepatitis B and C viruses. Almost 2.5 million people are newly diagnosed with hepatitis B each year. Our specialist stated, "If there is an infection in one person at home, other persons living in the same environment should be checked and protected against hepatitis B if necessary."

Our Yeditepe University Kozyatagi Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist, who stated that hepatitis consists of A, B, C, D, and E viruses, said that hepatitis B and C viruses come to the fore due to their chronicity. He spoke out about hepatitis in light of the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of July 28 as "World Hepatitis Day".

“1.4 Million People Pass Away Annually”

Hepatitis B and C viruses are present in about 325 million persons worldwide, according to our expert, "250 million are hepatitis B viruses and 75 million are hepatitis C viruses. There are 3.5 million persons in Turkey who have the Hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis C affects about 750,000 people. We might conclude that the numbers are rising annually when we consider the totals around the world. According to statistics, up to 2.5 million people contract Hepatitis B and C for the first time every year. An estimated 1.4 million people every year pass away from these infections. When we examine infectious disease deaths, we can find that Hepatitis B and C virus-related illnesses rank second after tuberculosis in terms of fatalities.''

“There Are Several Different Causes of Infection”

The doctor stated, "There are some transmission channel differences between both. Hepatitis B and C viruses can be spread in a broad range of ways, but the most common method of transmission for both is goods containing blood and contaminated blood. For instance, the Hepatitis B virus can also spread through bodily fluids, and sexual transmission is a significant factor in this. The Hepatitis B virus can also be transmitted from mother to baby. Again, hemodialysis patients are at risk for transmission of Hepatitis B and C viruses. Hepatitis B and C are also spread through the use of cutting and piercing equipment that has been contaminated with infected blood. If it is diseased, tools and equipment used specifically for manicures and pedicures may also contaminate it. The ideal way is using personal tools and equipment. If it is not possible, sterilization should be carried out after using the aforementioned instruments and equipment. Otherwise, contamination is always a possibility.

Presently, there is a vaccine against Hepatitis B. It is possible to safeguard other residents of a home where a sick individual resides. Since there is now no vaccine available for hepatitis C, standard precautions must be taken.''

Beware If the Virus Becomes Chronic!

Our specialist claimed that while hepatitis B and C become chronic, hepatitis A and E do not after being ingested into the body and recover totally by more than 90%. Our Yeditepe University Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist noted that the condition leads to primary liver cancer and liver cirrhosis in the future and provided the following list of preventative actions to be taken:

"Today's treatments make it possible to entirely eradicate hepatitis C from the body. Particularly since 2016, Turkish SSI patients have had free access to these potent medications that can entirely eradicate the virus. Consequently, Hepatitis C can be entirely eradicated. The current vaccine helps to prevent Hepatitis B. There are adults who either lack Hepatitis B immunization or are unaware that they have the disease. Consequently, the Hepatitis B vaccine should protect someone who has never had the illness at any age. Because these viruses can induce cirrhosis and liver cancer when they become persistent. Liver transplantation is now the only option for treating cirrhosis and primary liver cancer. Hepatitis B and C infections account for 60 to 70 percent of liver transplants. In order to prevent Hepatitis B, immunization is required, and when necessary, antiviral medications for Hepatitis B should be used with efficient controls for those who have been infected. They lessen or even stop the progression of the disease into cirrhosis or liver cancer, even if they do not eradicate the Hepatitis B virus entirely from the body. Medications used in chronic hepatitis B virus infection can also be provided to patients within the scope of SSI free of charge.”