OVERVIEW

Hepatitis B - Revised Recommendations by e-EdCredits

Date Expires: Jul 31, 2023

Course Description:
Hepatitis B was the first primary hepatitis virus discovered and reported upon in JAMA by Blumberg et al in 1965. Because the spread of this virus is primarily by a percutaneous or per mucosal pathway, it was originally called serum hepatitis. Hepatitis B (HBV) is a circular DNA virus that is 42 nanometers in size. It is unique in that it is double-stranded for two-thirds of its length and single-stranded for the remaining third. It also contains its own DNA polymerase enzyme. None distinct subtypes exist. These are primarily important when performing epidemiology studies. All HBV particles contain a group-reactive determinant labeled “a” along with 2 sets of sub-determinants designated “d” or “y” and “w” or “r”. The “w” was then found to have 4 different variants w1, w2, w3, and w4. Thus, eight distinct subtypes have been identified, which are ayw1, ayw2, ayw3, ayw4, ayr, adw2, adw3, adw4, and adr. With the boom of genetics in the past 10 to 20 years, hepatitis B has now been sequenced and there are 10 genotypes labeled A to J. Genotype A is the most prevalent in North America and Europe along with Genotype G; Genotypes B & C are dominant in Asia and Southeast Asia; Genotype D is more predominant in the Middle East; Genotype E is in Sub-Saharan Africa; Genotypes F & H are Central and South America; Genotype I is Southeast Asia; and Genotype J is mostly in Japan. It is important to know, however, that several Genotypes can be found in any given region around the world.

Objectives
• Discuss the impact of Hepatitis B infections on healthcare and the diagnostic work-up of the patient infected with this virus.
• Describe the different ways in which the Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted between adults and children through perinatal transmission and breastfeeding.
• Discuss the effectiveness of and recommendations for immunoprophylaxis against Hepatitis B and the potential treatment options for chronic infections.
• Explain future concerns regarding the emergence of mutant strains of the hepatitis B virus.

Additional details will be posted as soon as information is available.