Hepatitis Virus May Become a Thing of the Past

Globally, 1.1 million people die each year from liver cirrhosis and cancer caused by hepatitis B and C, with approximately 15,000-20,000 deaths annually in Turkey. Yet diagnosis of both infections can be made using highly practical methods, and treatment is possible. With proper planning of diagnostic and treatment processes, it is considered that hepatitis virus could be eliminated from the world by 2030. Specialist Dr. Koray Tuncer from the Gastroenterology Department at Memorial Şişli Hospital stated: On the occasion of "28 July World Hepatitis Day", he provided information on what needs to be known about hepatitis. Hepatitis is liver inflammation most often caused by a viral infection. There are five main hepatitis viruses, designated as types A, B, C, D and E. These five types are a major source of concern worldwide due to the diseases they cause and their epidemic potential. According to the latest figures, more than 350 million people live with viral hepatitis. It is known that 8-9 out of every 10 people with hepatitis are unaware of their condition. Additionally, 1.1 million people die annually from hepatitis B and C infections, and 9.4 million people receive treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus infection. In our country, there are approximately 2.5 million patients with hepatitis B and around 250,000 with hepatitis C.

Can lead to cirrhosis and cancer

Global efforts prioritize elimination of hepatitis B, C and D infections. If these 3 infections are not treated for years, they can lead to deaths from cirrhosis or liver cancer. These 3 types of chronic hepatitis infections are responsible for 95% of hepatitis-related deaths. Another concerning situation is that globally, only 10% of chronic hepatitis B patients have been diagnosed, and only 22% have access to treatment. Only 42% of all newborns receive hepatitis B vaccination each day. Regarding hepatitis C, 20% of all hepatitis C patients worldwide have been diagnosed, and 62% of these patients have accessed treatment. Currently, at least 80% of viral hepatitis patients worldwide and in Turkey are unaware of their disease. These patients are at long-term risk of cirrhosis and cancer, and simultaneously serve as a source of infection for others.

Preventive measures are necessary

Goals include reducing deaths from liver cirrhosis or cancer caused by hepatitis virus by 65%, increasing the number of people receiving hepatitis treatment by 80%, and increasing diagnosis of persons carrying hepatitis B and C virus by 90%. With these targets met, deaths from this issue could be ended by 2030. For this to be possible, newborns must be vaccinated at the time of birth, individuals must learn whether they carry hepatitis virus at any healthcare facility, and if they lack immunity, they must protect themselves through hepatitis B vaccination.

Diagnosis through a simple blood test

With the availability of vaccines and/or treatments that can treat hepatitis B and C, elimination of these diseases has become possible. The most important point in disease elimination is awareness of the disease. This can be achieved through diagnostic tests to be applied. By visiting any healthcare facility and providing a blood sample, diagnosis can be made in a short time. Hepatitis patients do not have time to wait for life-saving treatments. One of the most important steps in hepatitis elimination is preventing hepatitis B transmission from mother to baby. For this reason, hepatitis B testing in pregnant women and treatment applications cannot wait. Screening expectant mothers for hepatitis B and taking preventive measures is important for future generations.

Is it transmitted through swimming pools?

Hepatitis B is a contagious virus. However, living in the same house with a person with hepatitis B, working in the same workplace, sharing food and drink, or using items that are not sharp-edged or body-penetrating (such as razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, etc.) does not transmit the virus. There is no evidence that hepatitis B is transmitted through body secretions other than blood. Additionally, hepatitis B is not transmitted through swimming pools. As a preventive measure, friends, partners, or family members who share a home with a hepatitis B-positive person must undergo hepatitis testing, and those who need vaccination should be vaccinated against hepatitis B. In this way, transmission and the virus are prevented.  

New developments in hepatitis C

According to the Health Practice Notification (SUT), until recently, people who had received hepatitis C treatment once and were either unresponsive to treatment or had relapsed disease could not be retreated with new medications. Now retreatment with medications is possible. Additionally, liver biopsy was previously required for drug treatment in hepatitis C patients. This requirement has now been eliminated. However, liver biopsy is still required in deciding whether hepatitis B patients need treatment. With new developments, liver fibrosis and disease stage can be determined through non-invasive methods. Through virological tests, imaging, and fibrosis measurement methods, this decision can be made easily. Healthcare workers, citizens, and social policy makers must all fulfill their responsibilities regarding hepatitis. More people need to be informed about hepatitis and the negative conditions it causes. More patients must be diagnosed, and the number of hepatitis patients must be reduced. It must not be forgotten that viral hepatitis is not a problem that can wait.