Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) belongs to the Hepadnarvirus family. The virus particles consist of a lipid envelope that contains surface antigens, HBsAg, a core made of proteins, viral DNA, and polymerase. Theses virions are approximately forty nm in diameter, which are known as one of the smallest enveloped animal viruses. It infects hepatocytes, also known as Dana particles. The genome of HBV is circular, partly double stranded, and approximately 3,200 nucleotides long.
Dr. Baruch Blumberd first discovered HBV in 1963 when he discovered an antigen that had a presence of HBV in blood samples. Dr. Blumberd and his colleagues travelled around the world collecting blood samples. They specifically studied patients who had received multiple blood transfusions. After research, they found the antigen that caused hepatitis B. Hepatitis B was then recognized in 1967. Two years later, Dr. Blumberg and his colleague invented the hepatitis B vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine was named the first anti-cancer vaccine from the US Food and Drug Administration due to its prevention of chronic hepatitis infections, which resulted in the prevention of liver cancer due to HBV. The hepatitis B vaccines are now given to millions of people, particularly in Asia and Africa.
Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and infected bodily fluid. This can happen several ways. First, it can be from direct blood-to-blood contact. This can happen when an individual get a blood transfusion from an infected individual. These cases were more popular when doctors didn’t test blood samples for viruses before a blood transfusion. Secondly, it can be transmitted from unprotected sex. An individual may become infected when they have unprotected sexual intercou...
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...tis B infections last longer and require anti-viral treatments. Some of the drugs used to treat hepatitis B are Interferon Alpha, Lamivudine, and Adefovir Dipivoxil.
Works Cited
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"Treatment of chronic hepatitis B: who to treat, what to use, and for how long?." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2004. Web. 01 May 2014. .
"Lead." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 Mar. 2004. Web. 28 Apr. 2014. http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/
Hepatitis A is a usually short acting virus that occurs in humans and monkeys. It is caused by the Hepatovirus and the species is Hepatitis A Virus. There are two major ways in which Hepatitis A can be transmitted. One way is from person to person. This transmission occurs when the fecal matter of an infected person gets ingested by another person. Other ways Hepatitis A can be transmitted from person to person are through direct contact with an infected person, such as sexual contact, and sharing of needles for intravenous drug use. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through coming in contact with contaminated food or water. Also foods that are uncooked or undercooked and have been contaminated with Hepatitis A can transmit the virus. (Bennett,
Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). (Kahn & Higuera, 2017) Consumption of faecal matter, even in minute quantities, Close contact with an infected individual, sexual intercourse with an infected person, and consumption of contaminated food or drink. (Prevention, 2017) Hepatitis B is commonly contracted through contact with infected blood, semen or any form of contact with any form of bodily fluid which is transmitted through sexual intercourse, needle sharing or the sharing of any injection instrument or during childbirth, in this case, transmitted from infected mother to her baby. (“Hepatitis | NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,” 2015) The transmission of hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is transmitted through direct
World Health Organization, 3 September 2007. Web. The Web. The Web. 4 Apr 2011.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a double-stranded DNA virus in the Hepadnaviridae family. The infectious particle is 42nm in diameter, with a genome 3200 nucleotides long. It has an outer envelope and an icosahedral nucleocapsid, which contains viral DNA polymerase and has a diameter of 27nm. The envelope contains the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg); this is the molecule to which anti-HBV antibodies are directed. The non-infectious hepatitis B particles are composed of HBsAg only and come in the form of filaments and spheres. Their only likely purpose is binding up antibodies so the infectious particles can remain free. In humans HBV infects hepatocytes where it replicates within the nucleus, but can also be found in smooth muscle, bone marrow, kidneys, thyroid glands and other sites.
Pathogens are a type of microorganism that spreads viral and bacterial diseases. These diseases when present in human blood and body fluids are known as blood borne pathogens, and can spread from one person to another. (Worcester polytechnic institute) The most serious types of blood borne diseases are the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can cause liver damage; and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which is responsible for causing AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). The blood borne pathogens can be spread when the blood or body fluids (semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, and amniotic fluid) of an infected individual comes into contact with mucous membranes or an open sore or cut on the skin of another person. Mucus membranes are located in the eyes, nose, mouth, and other areas as well. ("Bloodborne pathogens: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia") Two of the most common ways that pathogens are transmitted is through the exchange of fluids during sexual intercourse or by sharing infected IV needles. (Worcester polytechnic institute)
Hepatitis B is a bacterial infection that displays symptoms like a visible rash on the surface of the skin, headache, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, chills, severe liver damage, and can even lead to death. It can be contracted through close contact, especially sexual contact, through lesions on the skin from an infected person (Leu). Another required vaccination is Tdap. “It usually enters the body through the mouth and begins its replication in the throat and gastrointestinal tract. It moves to the bloodstream and continues to replicate and destroy motor neurons in the central nervous system. These are the motor neurons responsible for control of the muscles for swallowing, circulation, respiration and movement of the trunk, arms and legs” (Furnari). The last required vaccination is Hib. Symptoms for Hib include asthma, upper respiratory tract infections, lung disease, recurrent bronchitis, and death. Each of these vaccinations are required by schools to ensure the health of their
Hepatitis B is a DNA viral infection that causes damage and inflammation to the liver. It was first discovered in 1965 by Dr. Baruch Blumberg. The HBV virus is very contagious and is even thought to be the most serious form of viral hepatitis and the most common viral infection on Earth. “HBV is 100 times more infectious than HIV.” (Green, 2002, pg. 7) The virus can survive for about one week outside the body on a dry surface. According to Green (2002, pg. 7), “One in twenty Americans has been infected with the virus at some point in their lives.” Between the ages of 15-39 is when 75% of new HBV infections occur, according to Green (2002, pg.8).
1a - Epidemiology of acute and chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Norway, 1992-2009 - Gražina Rimšelienė1,2*, Øivind Nilsen2, Hilde Kløvstad2, Hans Blystad2 and Preben Aavitsland2
An estimated 242,251 Canadians, and 150 million people worldwide are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus, and more than 350 000 people die every year from hepatitis C-related liver diseases.1 Hepatitis C can lead to other serious diseases, such as liver failure, death, etc. But without any vaccines available to prevent the contraction of the disease, it may be hard to avoid. Due to disease generally being asymptomatic many people are unaware that they have it, further spreading the disease because of a lack of prevention mechanisms. Hepatitis C when developed chronically can cause serious affects on the liver, which may even lead to death. With hepatitis C being such a serious disease, it is important that more people be tested for it so they can start treatment in the early stages of the disease, as well as be aware and informed, before it becomes a chronic infection leading to serious complications.
Hepatitis A is a virus or an infection that causes liver disease and inflammation of the liver. According to Centers for Disease and Prevention, hepatitis A is a self- limited disease that does not cause a chronic infection and it is rarely fatal. The virus is an infectious disease of the liver which cannot be transmitted by sneezing and coughing. It is usually transmitted from person to person through the feces or the mouth, from consuming contaminated food or water. Many people do not experience any symptoms of hepatitis A, but if someone was to get it, then the symptoms could last from 2 weeks to 6 weeks. The blood is tested to determine how the liver is functioning. The blood is usually taken from the vein in the arm and
Hepatitis A being spread can be prevented by properly washing your hands with soap and water before and after preparing food and drinks. Washing hands thoroughly, after using the bathroom and changing diapers. Disinfecting kitchen counters, cutting boards and cooking utensils after use (5). It is recommended that if you feel you may have been contaminated with the virus that you see a healthcare provider promptly and ask about the Hepatitis A vaccine that is available. If you receive the vaccine within fourteen days of exposure illness can be prevented, it is unlikely you will contract Hepatitis A if you've been vaccinated prior.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 09 June 2009. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.
There is a disease spreading out in the world called Hepatitis C. It affects the liver and may cause the liver to fail. This disease is caused by a virus called Hepatitis C virus which is also known as HCV. About 32,000 people are affected with this disease per year only in the United States area. Some It’s a disease with many symptoms and many causes. of these symptoms are easy bruising, upset stomach and fever. These are just some of the many symptoms that come from the virus. Hepatitis Cs nature of the causative agent is determined by many things. The biological data of this disease is filled so much information. It is estimated that over 180 million people have gotten Hepatitis C and it is growing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 04 Feb. 2014. Web. The Web.