Hepatitis B

Question 1

What is hepatitis B?

Answer 1

Hepatitis caused by hep B virus. Can lead to chronic hepatitis. Transmission occurs via: blood, sexual contact

Question 2

What is the pathophysiology of hepatitis B?

Answer 2

Hepatocytes infected by the hepatitis B virus express viral peptides on their surfaces → lymphocytes recognize HBV-derived peptides and become activated (CD8+ cytotoxic T cells) → lymphocytes attack liver cells (cellular immune response) → hepatic inflammation with destruction of hepatocytes
Chronic hepatitis occurs when host immunity unable to clear out infection

Question 3

What are the clinical features of hepatitis B?

Answer 3

(Active infection) Similar to hepatitis A
Rash, polyarthritis, fever
Jaundice
(Chronic infection) Cirrhosis

Question 4

What is the diagnosis for hepatitis B?

Answer 4

Hepatitis B surface antigen
Hepatits B envelope antigen
Hepatitis B core antigen

Question 5

What is the treatment for hepatitis B?

Answer 5

(Acute) Supportive care

(Chronic) Antvirals: Nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (e.g. Tenofovir, Entecavir), Pegylated interferon alfa