Hepatitis (Greek: hepar – "liver" and itis – "inflammation") is an inflammation of the liver. Due to the damage of the liver cell, the metabolic function of the liver is affected. The five viral strains which cause most of the virulent liver inflammations are labeled A, B, C, D and E. Thus, the hepatitis A virus (HAV) can cause Hepatitis A, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) Hepatitis B and so on... [1] [2]

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are smear infections, that is, the virus is transmitted by contact with infected objects. However, hepatitis C is a blood-borne infection. Hepatitis D plays a special role since the virus can only be transmitted when the hepatitis B virus is already in the human body. [1]

Unprotected sexual intercourse is the most frequent route of a hepatitis B infection. This is why it is rated among the venereal diseases. [1] Globally, hepatitis B is one of the major health problems of humanity. The prevalence varies depending on the geographic location and ethnicity. According to estimates, 240 millions are chronically infected globally and 600.000 people die from the consequences of the infection. The blood of 40 per cent of the world's population shows an overcome infection. [3]

In Austria there are 42.000 hepatitis B positive people. This corresponds to around 0.5 per cent of the total population. [3]

Symptoms
The incubation period lasts from one to six months. [3] First symptoms are sickness with vomiting, lack of appetite and fever. Due to the inflammation of the liver, its metabolic function can no longer be maintained. Consequently, metabolic products accumulate in the body and cause icterus which might produce yellowish sclerae and skin. In 80 to 90 per cent of cases this initial phase lasts several months and heals completely afterwards. [4]

In 10 to 20 per cent the inflammation of the liver causes acute or chronic liver failure and results in death. [4]

Treatment
There are various drugs in order to treat the virus. Some of them stop the virus from replicating, others modulate the immune system. To date there is no complete cure. [5]

Prevention
In contrast to HIV [HIV / AIDS], hepatitis B is hundred times more contagious and can be transmitted by contact with infected saliva, blood, urine, stool, mother milk or genital secretion. [4] This is why vaccines for the prevention of hepatitis B have been routinely recommended for risk groups such as hospital staff, travelers in risk areas, sexually open people. Besides, the use of barrier contraceptives like condoms or femidoms clearly reduces the risk of infections. [6]