What is Hepatitis?

This simply refers to an inflammation of the liver. The condition can be self-limiting (acute, less than 6 months) or progress to cirrhosis, fibrosis or liver cancer (chronic). It should be noted that Hepatitis is hyper-endemic in Nigeria with most cases going unnoticed and untreated.

Causes

Hepatitis is mostly caused by viruses, namely Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Most common being Hepatitis C, B and A respectively.

Hepatitis A and E are usually caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or water, whist Hepatitis B, C and D are usually as a result of contact with contaminated blood or blood products, e.g. from mother to child at birth, during blood transfusion, using contaminated medical equipment, from affected person(s), and also via sexual contact, amongst others.

Other causes include toxic substances like alcohol and drugs, autoimmune diseases, etc.

Risk Factors

There is a higher risk with:

• Intravenous drug users,
• Male to male sexual encounters,
• People with end stage kidney failure,
• Immunosuppressed individuals (e.g. HIV), or people using immunosuppression medications,
• Pregnant women,
• Recipients of blood transfusion,
• Care givers, public servants and people in close contact with infected person(s),
• People with tattoos, piercings, etc.

Effects

• It weakens the body’s immune/defense system,
• Destroys the liver,
• Cause liver cancer,
• Cause liver failure,
• Result in death.

Signs and Symptoms

There may no symptoms or signs seen (asymptomatic) or it could cause:

• Dark-colored urine,
• Stomach pain,
• Pale stools,
• Fever (usually low grade),
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes/jaundice,
• Fatigue,
• Loss of appetite,
• Nausea,
• Joint pain.

Management

It can be diagnosed via blood tests, ultrasound of the liver and liver biopsy. There is no cure for Hepatitis A but those who have had Hepatitis A vaccine usually have lifelong immunity. Hepatitis B can now be cured. Antiviral medications are usually prescribed for treatment by a physician.

How to prevent infection

• Wash food/fruits thoroughly before consumption,
• Boil tap water before drinking,
• Practice good hygiene such as washing your hands with soap and using hand sanitizers especially after using the restroom, changing diapers and before handling food. Also avoid directly touching door handles of public toilets.
• Ensure you patronize medical facilities and tattoo parlors that practice good hygiene (e.g. washing of hands and wearing gloves before touching you), and also sterilize their equipment before use.
• Take your personal equipment such as clippers, nail files, razors, etc, when going to the barbing saloon or for manicure and pedicure.
• Practice safe sexual practices e.g. using a condom.
• Do not share personal grooming items such as, toothbrushes, nail clippers, razor blades, needles, washcloths, etc.
• Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and B but none yet for C.