Hepatitis B and C Silent Spread: Experts Urge Screening Over Symptoms
Hepatitis B and C often remain dormant in the body for years without any noticeable symptoms, according to medical experts. They emphasized the critical need for at-risk individuals to undergo screening rather than waiting for the onset of symptoms. Early detection is crucial for preventing severe complications like liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Experts also highlighted that new hepatitis infections can be reduced through safe blood transfusions, vaccination, sterile medical practices, and increased public awareness.
These insights were shared during a roundtable discussion organized by the Gastroenterology Department of Chittagong Medical College Hospital and Prothom Alo, with Beacon Pharmaceuticals as the scientific partner. The event, held in observance of World Hepatitis Day on July 28, aimed to raise awareness, promote early diagnosis, ensure treatment, and strengthen preventive measures. It was revealed that approximately one crore people in Bangladesh are infected with Hepatitis B or C. Professor Ershad Uddin Ahmad, Head of Gastroenterology at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, noted that most infected individuals are unaware of their condition, underscoring the urgency of prompt diagnosis and treatment to mitigate liver damage.
While Hepatitis C is now curable with modern medications, Hepatitis B can often be managed with long-term treatment, as explained by Associate Professor Abdullah Al Mahmud. However, the decision to initiate treatment should be based on expert medical evaluation. Professor Binoy Pal pointed out that standard liver function tests are insufficient for diagnosis, requiring specific tests like HBsAg and Anti-HCV. He urged screenings for family members of infected individuals, dialysis patients, and pregnant women, while also calling for an end to social discrimination against those affected. Professor S M Ali Haider stressed vaccination as the most effective prevention for Hepatitis B, noting its inclusion in the national program protects the new generation. For Hepatitis C, where no vaccine exists, safe blood transfusion and sterile equipment are paramount. Associate Professor Mostofa Noor Mohsin addressed common misconceptions, clarifying that Hepatitis B and C do not spread through shared meals or casual contact, and combating these myths is vital to reduce stigma. Brigadier General Mohammad Taslim Uddin, Director of Chittagong Medical College Hospital, emphasized the role of clean water, safe food, hand hygiene, and public awareness, particularly for Hepatitis A and E, alongside safe blood and vaccination. The collective goal is to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030 through the combined efforts of healthcare professionals, government, media, and the public.
The prevalence of asymptomatic Hepatitis B and C infections presents a significant public health challenge, necessitating a shift from symptom-based healthcare to proactive screening for at-risk populations. The economic and societal burden of advanced liver disease, including cirrhosis and cancer, highlights the cost-effectiveness of early detection and management strategies. Public health initiatives must address not only medical interventions like vaccination and safe practices but also the critical need to combat misinformation and stigma, which hinder effective disease control and patient support. As diagnostic technologies advance and treatments become more effective, the focus should be on equitable access to these resources and strengthening primary healthcare systems to integrate routine screening and prevention, aligning with global health security objectives for the coming decade.
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