12 | Himalaya Livline | Vol 6 | No. 4 | May–Aug 2023 An InterviewWith Dr GD Sharma Doctor, what are the major routes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission? Perinatal transmission and horizontal transmission, mainly due to exposure to infected blood, are the major routes of HBV transmission. Exposure to other body fluids including saliva, tears, and vaginal and seminal fluids can also transmit the virus. HBV transmission may also occur during surgical and dental procedures due to poor infection-control measures, unprotected sex, tattooing, and body piercing. Doctor, who is at risk of chronic HBV infection? The likelihood of chronic HBV infection can be determined based on the age at which an individual is infected. About 80% to 90% of infants in their first year of life and 30% to 50% of children younger than 6 years, who are infected with HBV, are likely to develop chronic infections. More than 5% of infected adults are at a risk of developing chronic infection, and 20% to 30% of adults who are chronically infected will develop cirrhosis and liver cancer. Doctor, what are the common symptoms of HBV infection? Although most individuals are asymptomatic, some experience symptoms within 60 to 150 days after infection. Jaundice, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, anorexia, fatigue, malaise, dark urine, fever, and headache are the common symptoms of an acute HBV infection. In some individuals, skin rashes, joint pains, and arthritis may also occur. Are there any coinfections associated with HBV infection, doctor? Hepatitis B coinfections occur with viruses that have similar transmission routes like hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), and HIV. Coinfections increase the chances of complications. The incidence of HCC is higher in patients with both HBV and HCV infections. Coinfection with HDV and HBV results in liver failures in cases with acute infections and liver cancer in those with chronic infections. Doctor, what therapeutic strategy do you suggest for the management of hepatitis B? I generally prescribed Liv.52 HB to my patients with hepatitis B, and they have responded well to the therapy. Liv.52 HB is a phytopharmaceutical formulation from Himalaya Wellness Company. Liv.52 HB helps manage hepatitis B infection through its antiviral, immunomodulatory, antiinflammatory, and hepatoprotective actions. Liv.52 HB acts directly on the virus by binding directly to HBsAg and suppressing the replication of the viral DNA. It inhibits viral reverse transcriptase. It reverses the oxidative damage to the hepatocytes, hastens the recovery period, and ensures early restoration of hepatic functions. It also protects the hepatic parenchyma and promotes hepatocellular regeneration. Dr GD Sharma, MD Managing Director and Chairman PRP Multispeciality Hospital Kidney Center, Trauma Center, and Blood Bank Karnal 132001, Haryana India Our field correspondent: Mr Ritesh Kumar Dixit Area General Manager HimalayaWellness Company
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