About Hepatitis
Determine HBsAg
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and is caused by one
of five viruses – A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis B is the most
common serious liver infection and remains endemic in large
portions of the world.
HBV is easily transmitted and can occur through direct
blood-to-blood contact, sexual contact, use of un-sterile needles,
child to child in endemic areas and from a mother to her baby
during the delivery process.
In many developing countries almost all children become infected
with the virus and can carry and transmit HBV for many years beyond
childhood. Left untreated in the body, the virus can develop
into chronic hepatitis B, which can lead to cirrhosis or liver
cancer. Liver failure is almost always fatal.