Hepatitis B prevalence is highest in sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia. In India, the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is 3-4.2% with over 40 million HBV carriers. Every year over
115,000 Indians die of Hepatitis B-related complications. There are 10 known HBV genotypes, classified from A to J.
115,000 Indians die of Hepatitis B-related complications. There are 10 known HBV genotypes, classified from A to J.
Antiviral treatment is highly effective for people with CHB infection. It can improve survival and reduce progression of liver disease and the development of liver cancer. However, major testing and treatment gaps remain.
The 2024 guidelines prioritise simplified treatment criteria for adults and adolescents and expanded eligibility for antiviral prophylaxis for pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV. The guidelines also focus on enhancing HBV diagnostics through point-of-care viral load testing, addressing diagnosis of Delta coinfection – a major cause of HBV-related morbidity and mortality – using testing protocols, and approaches to delivering high-quality HBV services.
What is Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is not infected.