Hepatitis B

Also known as:  Serum Hepatitis;  Transfusion Hepatitis;  Virus B Hepatitis

Hepatitis B is a type of Viral Hepatitis caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (a DNA Virus from the Hepadnoviridae family).  The incubation period for Hepatitis B is long (50-160 days) compared to that of other forms of Viral Hepatitis.

 Hepatitis B can be transmitted via Sexual Contact (and also via close casual contact).

 Hepatitis B can be transmitted via contaminated Needles (e.g. via intravenous drug abusers who share needles) or contaminated Blood Products (e.g. via transfusions of Blood).

 Approximately one person in every 250 is a carrier of Hepatitis B and 30% to 40% of these carriers have no symptoms.

 Approximately 10% of acute cases of Hepatitis B cases develop into Chronic Hepatitis B.

 The Hepatitis B Virus can live on a dry surface for at least seven days.

 Hepatitis B is the ninth most common cause of death in the world.

Amino Acids

 The N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) form of Cysteine may inhibit the replication of the Hepatitis B Virus that causes Hepatitis B.  ^[1]

Antioxidants (synthetic)

 Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) may be an effective treatment for Hepatitis B (according to anecdotal reports).  ^[2]

Carbohydrates

 Kureha (a Polysaccharide present in Karawatake Mushrooms) may be beneficial for the treatment of Hepatitis B. 

Immune System Chemicals

 Synthetic, exogenous forms of Interferon Alpha (which is normally manufactured endogenously) are approved for the treatment of Hepatitis B.  ^[3]

Lipids

 Glycyrrhizin is often used in Japan for the treatment of Hepatitis B.  ^[4]

 The Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid form of Phosphatidylcholine may accelerate the recovery from Hepatitis B.  ^[5]

 Saikosaponins (constituents of Chinese Thoroughwax) may be useful for the treatment of Hepatitis B (they may protect the Liver and may counteract the Inflammation associated with Hepatitis B).  ^[6]

Minerals

 Clinoptilolite is claimed to improve the condition of Hepatitis B patients.  ^[7]

 Silver (Mild Silver Protein form) may be useful for the treatment of Hepatitis B.  ^[8]