Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and noninfectious agents leading to a range of health problems, some of which can be fatal. An estimated 354 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C, and most of them are hard to reach testing and treatment.

There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. While they all cause liver disease, they differ in important ways including transmission modes, severity of the illness, geographical distribution and prevention methods.

 Hepatitis B and C Infection 

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are major causes of acute and chronic liver disease (e.g. liver cirrhosis and liver cancer) globally, and cause an estimated 1.4 million deaths annually.

Testing and diagnosis of hepatitis B and C infection is the gateway for access to both prevention and treatment services, and is a crucial component of an effective response to the hepatitis epidemic. Early identification of HBV or HCV infection enables patients to receive the necessary care and treatment to prevent or delay progression of liver disease. Testing also provides an opportunity to link people to interventions to reduce transmission, through counselling on risk behaviors and provision of prevention commodities (such as sterile needles and syringes) and hepatitis B vaccination. 

 Importance of Testing and Diagnosis of Hepatitis B and C 

Most people infected with HBV and/or HCV remain unaware of their infection and therefore frequently present with advanced disease and may transmit infection to others despite the advances and opportunities for treatment.

As a trusted in vitro diagnostic national enterprise in China, Getein has been at the forefront of developing comprehensive tests for HBV & HCV infection and liver disease caused by hepatitis virus infection, which enables healthcare professionals to rapidly and effectively diagnose and control allergies, make informed treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.

Getein will continuously pay close attention to global health issues and needs in real time, to help combat the pandemic, reduce the burden on healthcare systems and optimize patient management.

References:

Health topics: Hepatitis. WHO

World Hepatitis Day. WHO