Scientists from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have updated recommendations for screening for hepatitis B: It is now recommended that all people aged 18 and older get tested for the virus at least once in a lifetime. It has been reported MedicalXpress.
People with chronic viral hepatitis B have an increased risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis and are 70-85% more likely to die early than the general population. The virus is transmitted through the use of drugs through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, sexual contact, or injection, as during pregnancy or childbirth. Usually the infection is asymptomatic for a long time. Vaccination is considered highly effective in preventing infection.
Previously, infection testing was recommended for people from high-risk groups: those with multiple sexual partners, those infected with hepatitis C, and prisoners. The new recommendations include screening for hepatitis B using three laboratory tests (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc) at least once in a lifetime for adults 18 years and older. It is recommended that people in the high-risk group have periodic hepatitis B screening.
According to scientists, this measure will prevent the development of cirrhosis, cancer, the need for a liver transplant and death in many people.