ABSTRACT
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) remains a significant global health challenge, with millions of individuals harboring chronic infections. Numerous individuals with chronic HBV infection experience mild liver disease, resulting in minimal long-term health issues or fatalities. In contrast, some people with chronic HBV infection develop a more aggressive form of the disease that can advance to cirrhosis and ultimately, liver cancer. These patients require vigilant observation and merit medical intervention. Some of the determining factors of hepatitis b virus infections include, Age, Sex , viral factors such as HBV viral load, viral mutations and genotypes, Environmental factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, unprotected sexual intercourse, inadequate healthcare services, renal failure, and underlying diseases in infected individuals. HBsAg, IgM anti-HBc, and anti-HBs are the serologic markers commonly used to distinguish between acute, resolving, and chronic infection. The prevalence of HBV infection exhibits substantial variation across diverse regions worldwide, with notably high burdens in sub-Saharan Africa and select parts of Asia. Factors contributing to HBV prevalence encompass socio-economic conditions, healthcare infrastructure, vaccination coverage, and cultural norms. These determinants interact intricately to mold the epidemiological landscape of HBV at both local and global levels. Hepatitis B is spread by the virus being passed on in a variety of ways from infected to non-immune individuals either through sexual intercourse or from mother to foetus. Efforts to combat HBV encompass initiatives such as vaccination campaigns, enhanced healthcare accessibility, and public health awareness campaigns. Nonetheless, persistent challenges include the affordability of antiviral treatments and the imperative need for improved screening and early detection methods.
