Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) that affects the liver. This infection can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute Hepatitis B infection occurs when the virus first enters the body, and most people recover completely from it. However, in some people, the infection becomes chronic, which can lead to serious long-term liver problems, such as:
- Liver cirrhosis (a hardening of the liver that prevents it from working properly)
- Liver cancer
- Liver failure
How Hepatitis B is Transmitted
The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through the blood and other body fluids (such as semen, vaginal fluids, saliva) of an infected person.
Transmission routes include:
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Blood Contact: This is the most common route of transmission. HBV can be transmitted through direct contact with the blood of an infected person. This contact can occur in the following situations:
- Using needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood (especially common among drug users)
- Medical instruments contaminated with infected blood
- Blood transfusion (the risk is low in developed countries because blood products are rigorously tested)
- Using non-sterile instruments during tattooing or piercing
- Sexual contact: HBV can be transmitted during unprotected sexual intercourse. This risk means that an infected person can transmit the virus to their sexual partners.
- Mother-to-Baby Transmission: Mothers who are carriers of HBV during pregnancy can transmit the virus to their babies during birth. This transmission occurs during passage through the birth canal or when the baby comes into contact with infected blood during birth. Direct transmission through the placenta is rare, but the risk of transmission during birth is high.
Pregnancy and Hepatitis B
Transmission of HBV from mother to baby during pregnancy poses a significant risk, especially during birth. If the mother is an HBV carrier, the baby may be exposed to the virus during birth. This increases the baby's risk of developing chronic Hepatitis B infection. Therefore, it is extremely important to take Hepatitis B screening tests during pregnancy and preventive measures for the baby after birth.
Protective Measures During and After Birth
Special precautions should be taken for mothers who test positive for Hepatitis B during pregnancy:
- Prenatal: Antiviral treatment can be applied to the mother, thus reducing the risk of transmission to the baby during birth.
- During Birth: The birth should be carried out in a sterile environment and precautions should be taken to prevent infected blood from coming into contact with the baby.
- Postnatal: Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and Hepatitis B vaccine should be administered within the first 12 hours after the baby is born. These precautions protect the baby from HBV.
Breastfeeding
Mothers who are HBV carriers can generally continue to breastfeed, as the risk of transmission of the virus through breast milk is very low. However, it is essential that the baby receives the vaccine and immunoglobulin after birth. When these protective measures are taken, breastfeeding is considered safe.