Chapter 17, Problem 7CSC

Summary Introduction

To explain: The reason why cirrhosis is asymptomatic at early stages of the infection.

Concept introduction: Hepatitis B infection is caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) that attacks liver by causing liver inflammation, fibrosis, and liver failure. There are two types of hepatitis infection namely acute or chronic. Acute hepatitis occurs at initial exposure (4-12 weeks) of the infection. Acute phase is usually asymptomatic. The disease is primarily transmitted from infected blood transfusions and body fluids. There is a high risk of transmission of disease from an infected person to another through sexual intercourse or blood transfusions. The disease gets worse and develops into chronic hepatitis within 6 months or years of infection (depends on the age and immunity of the infected person). Hepatitis B infection is not curable but is treatable to reduce the severity of the disease.