How can hepatitis B and C be prevented and treated

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Prevention:

1. Vaccination

   • Highly effective HBV vaccine is available and recommended for all infants, healthcare workers, and at-risk adults.
   • Given in three doses over six months.

2. Safe Practices

   • Avoid sharing needles and razors to prevent bloodborne transmission.
   • Use condoms to reduce sexual transmission risk.
   • Screen blood products before transfusion.
   • Ensure proper sterilization of medical and tattooing equipment.

3. Mother-to-Child Transmission Prevention

   • Pregnant women should be screened for HBV.
   • Newborns of HBV-positive mothers should receive HBV vaccine + Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth.

Treatment:

• Chronic HBV cannot be cured but can be managed with antiviral medications to prevent liver damage.
• Medications:
  • Tenofovir, Entecavir – Long-term antiviral drugs that suppress the virus.
• Regular Monitoring:
  • Liver function tests, viral load, and liver fibrosis assessment are essential.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Prevention:

1. No Vaccine Available

   • Unlike HBV, there is no vaccine for HCV, making prevention critical.

2. Safe Practices

   • Avoid sharing needles and syringes (high risk in IV drug users).
   • Practice safe sex (though sexual transmission is less common than HBV).
   • Ensure blood screening before transfusions.
   • Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, and tattooing in unregulated settings.

3. Healthcare Safety Measures

   • Follow strict infection control protocols in hospitals and clinics.

Treatment:

• HCV is curable with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs.
• Medications:
  • Sofosbuvir, Ledipasvir, Glecaprevir, Pibrentasvir – 95% cure rate in 8-12 weeks.
• No Lifelong Treatment Needed:
  • Unlike HBV, most patients are cured with a short course of treatment.
• Regular Screening Recommended:
  • High-risk individuals (e.g., IV drug users, those with past blood transfusions) should get tested.

Key Differences in Prevention and Treatment

Early detection and treatment of HBV and HCV can prevent liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, making screening and preventive measures essential.