Viral hepatitis is a pressing problem for humanity. According to WHO, hundreds of millions of people are infected with viral hepatitis in different countries of the world, and every 30 seconds a patient dies due to diseases associated with viral hepatitis. This is an astonishing figure, especially considering that most of these deaths are preventable. Currently, the high epidemic potential of all known viral hepatitis - A, B, C, D, E, G - remains high.
Infection with viral hepatitis occurs in various ways. Viral hepatitis is divided into two large groups: with a fecal-oral transmission mechanism (A, E) and a parenteral transmission mechanism (B, C, D). Hepatitis A and E are transmitted primarily through contaminated water, food and dirty hands. Hepatitis B, C and D are transmitted through blood (through injection of drugs, when using non-sterile instruments during tattooing, piercing, cosmetic, manicure and pedicure procedures, medical procedures associated with violating the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes), as well as from an infected mother to a child during childbirth and unprotected sexual contact. The greatest risk of infection with hepatitis B, C and D viruses is associated with injecting drug use.
For parenteral viral hepatitis B and C, both acute and chronic forms are possible. It is important to know that chronic forms of viral hepatitis B and C can be asymptomatic for a long time, sometimes up to several years or even decades, but the formation of cirrhosis and liver cancer can occur. At least sixty percent of cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and deaths from it are associated with late diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B and C. Thus, timely diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis B and C can save lives.
Effective preventive measures against viral hepatitis are:
- for hepatitis A and E: drinking clean water, washed vegetables and fruits and always clean hands;
- to protect yourself from infection with hepatitis B and C, you should remember that blood in microscopic doses can be on razors, nail scissors, toothbrushes and other hygiene items. This is important to know in family settings (individual toothbrushes, scissors, etc.) and when visiting hairdressers (treated instruments should be used). When applying tattoos and piercings, it is important to do so with sterile instruments. Using condoms during casual sex. Use of disposable medical instruments.
However, vaccination is of greatest importance in prevention. Vaccines against hepatitis A and B are effective and safe and have been used in many countries around the world for many years. In the Republic of Belarus, immunization of the population against hepatitis B is carried out within the framework of the National Preventive Vaccination Calendar. Vaccinations are provided free of charge to children and adults under the age of 55 who have not previously been vaccinated against this infection. It is important to note that the hepatitis B vaccine indirectly protects a person from the hepatitis D virus, since this virus can multiply only in the presence of the hepatitis B virus. Immunization against viral hepatitis A is carried out free of charge for epidemiological services and on a paid basis in local clinics.
Thanks to a set of preventive and anti-epidemic measures, the incidence of acute viral hepatitis B and C in the Republic of Belarus continues to decline. Further implementation of hepatitis B prevention programs and, first of all, the population vaccination program will lead to a reduction in the incidence of acute hepatitis B throughout the country to isolated cases and the cessation of transmission of the virus from mother to child during childbirth.
A vaccine against hepatitis C has not been developed, due to the high variability of the virus. However, significant advances have been made in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. A breakthrough in treatment is associated with the emergence of new highly effective and safe drugs that make it possible to completely recover from hepatitis C. Antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B does not completely remove the virus from the body, but makes it possible to reduce its amount in the blood (viral load) down to an undetectable level, which leads to a reduction in the risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. Therefore, it is important to diagnose these diseases in a timely manner, see a doctor and, if indicated, undergo treatment.
Currently, a program for the treatment of viral hepatitis C is being implemented in the Republic of Belarus, which will allow in the near future to reduce or eliminate the incidence of this infection.
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