Hepititisb

PULSE: STI Case History
Hepatitis B

Clive is a 36 year old Jamaican male who was presented to my office in April 2003
for several complaints. He stated that for 3 or 4 weeks he has had loss of appetite, stomach pain, feels feverish especially at night time, has joint pains, has lost approximately 5-10 pounds of weight, has had nausea and felt extremely tired and fatigued and noticed his urine was extremely darker than before. Additionally, his friends and family have told him that his eyes appear to “look different” than before. All of these symptoms appeared about 4 weeks after his trip to the Caribbean when he went to Carnival.

Clive stated that he is a married male with two children and that he is extremely anxious as he fears having an infection that he may possibly expose to his family.

Clive denies smoking or recreational drug use but does drink alcohol moderately.

His sexual history is significant for having sex outside of his marriage. On more than one occasion this has been with another male including oral sex and passive anal intercourse .

He denies any urinary burning and has no diarrhea but his stool is lighter than usual.

Upon further examination and laboratory analysis it was determined that Clive had an acute infection with Hepatitis B, a viral infection that is sexually transmitted and very prevalent in the population of men who have sex with men. Immediate arrangements to assess his family's status were made.

What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver. It is caused by a virus.
Most people who get Hepatitis B get well. But sometimes Hepatitis B can damage the liver and lead to liver cancer. People can even die from it.

How Do People Get It?
The Hepatitis B virus lives in body fluids –
for example, blood, semen, vaginal fluid and saliva (spit).
Hepatitis B spreads easily from person to person through these bodily fluids.
People can get Hepatitis B if they:
-Have vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the Hepatitis B virus
-Share any type of needle. Ear-piercing needles, tattoo needles and drug needles
can all spread Hepatitis B
-Touch someone's open sore or cut with their own open sore or cut
-Bit someone – or are bitten by someone who has Hepatitis B
-Share toothbrushes, combs, razors or anything that can break the skin
with someone who has Hepatitis B
-Are born to a mother who has the Hepatitis B virus in her body

Why Is It Dangerous?
Some people get Hepatitis B and get well with not problem.
Other may get well but the virus stays in their bodies. They have chronic hepatitis B, even though they don't look or feel sick. They can give the virus to other people without knowing it.

Is There A Cure?
There is not cure for Hepatitis B. But there is a vaccination that will protect you from getting it. It is safe for children and adults.

If you are exposed to Hepatitis B and have not been vaccinated, you can get a special shot right away to help protect you. You will also be vaccinated at that time.

Dr. David Brown. Written specifically for FRee FORUM.