Title

The Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) causes inflammation of the liver, which can lead to tissue damage causing cirrhosis or cancer and eventually requiring a liver transplant. HBV is most commonly spread through contact with semen, vaginal secretions, and blood of infected persons. Symptoms of Hepatitis B can include dark urine, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite. The spread of HBV can be prevented by using a latex condom or by receiving a three dose vaccine. Acute Hepatitis B has no specific treatment and is just allowed to run its course. For treatment of chronic Hepatitis B, antiviral treatments are available.

Links

http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00398
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/STI/stifacts.htm#Hepatitis
http://www.ashastd.org/stdfaqs/hepb.html