Dr. Srinivas Bojanapu, Hepatologist and Liver Transplant Surgeon at Dhaara Liver Clinic, Bangalore, treats Viral Hepatitis B and C with 16+ years of specialist experience. With a team performing 60+ liver transplants per year, Dr. Bojanapu offers both medical and surgical management including robotic and laparoscopic techniques.

What is Viral Hepatitis B and C

Viral hepatitis B and C are infections that affect the liver. These infections are caused by two different viruses: the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Both viruses can lead to serious liver problems, including liver failure and liver cancer, if left untreated. However, with modern medical treatments, many people can live healthy lives even after being infected.

Dr. Srinivas Bojanapu, a leading hepatologist and liver transplant surgeon in Bangalore, India, sees many patients with viral hepatitis. His expertise in liver diseases and liver transplants makes him a trusted resource for patients in South India who are dealing with these infections.

How the Liver Works

The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It helps to break down food, remove harmful substances from the blood, and store energy. When the liver is infected with a virus, it can become inflamed and damaged. Over time, this can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver failure, or liver cancer.

What Happens if You Are Infected?

When you are infected with hepatitis B or C, the virus enters the liver and starts to multiply. Your immune system tries to fight the infection, but in some cases, it can’t completely clear the virus. This is called a chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis can cause long-term damage to the liver and may eventually require a liver transplant.

Causes and Risk Factors

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. It spreads through contact with infected blood or body fluids. Common ways the virus spreads include:

• Sexual contact with an infected person
• Sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment
• Mother to baby during childbirth
• Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes that may have infected blood on them
• Unprotected medical procedures using unsterilized equipment

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus. It mainly spreads through:

• Sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment
• Unprotected sexual contact, though this is less common
• Blood transfusions before 1992, when screening of blood donations for HCV was not routine
• Unsterilized medical or cosmetic equipment
• Mother to baby during childbirth, though this is less common than with hepatitis B

Risk Factors

Anyone can get hepatitis B or C, but some people are more likely to be infected. Risk factors include:

• Injecting drugs or sharing needles
• Having unprotected sex with multiple partners
• Being born to a mother with hepatitis B
• Working in healthcare and being exposed to infected blood
• Living in areas with poor sanitation or healthcare
• Having a weakened immune system, such as from HIV or certain medications

Dr. Bojanapu often sees patients in Bangalore who have been infected due to lack of awareness or poor infection control practices. His clinic is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options to help patients manage and cure viral hepatitis.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Many people with hepatitis B or C do not have symptoms in the early stages of infection. However, when symptoms do appear, they can be similar for both viruses.

Early Symptoms (Acute Infection)

• Fatigue – Feeling unusually tired
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain, especially on the right side (where the liver is)
• Dark urine
• Light-colored stools
• Jaundice – Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Chronic Infection Symptoms

If the infection becomes chronic (lasts more than six months), symptoms may be less obvious. However, over time, the liver can become damaged, leading to:

• Persistent fatigue
• Weight loss
• Abdominal swelling (from fluid buildup)
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Confusion or memory problems (due to toxins building up in the blood)
• Itching
• Fluid buildup in the legs (edema)

When to See a Doctor

If you or a family member is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious liver damage and improve long-term outcomes.

Dr. Bojanapu advises patients in Bangalore to be vigilant about any changes in their health and to seek medical attention if symptoms arise. His team is trained to handle both acute and chronic hepatitis cases, including those that may require a liver transplant.

How is it Diagnosed

Diagnosing viral hepatitis B and C involves a combination of blood tests and sometimes imaging tests to assess liver damage.

Blood Tests

• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) – Detects the presence of the hepatitis B virus
• Hepatitis B Core Antibody (anti-HBc) – Shows past or current infection
• Hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg) – Indicates high levels of virus in the blood
• Hepatitis C Antibody Test – Detects past or current infection with HCV
• HCV RNA Test – Confirms active infection by looking for the virus in the blood

These tests are simple, quick, and can be done in most clinics, including Dr. Bojanapu’s in Bangalore.

Liver Function Tests

These tests check how well the liver is working. They look at levels of enzymes and proteins in the blood that are released when the liver is damaged.

Imaging Tests

• Ultrasound – Uses sound waves to create images of the liver
• FibroScan – A non-invasive test that measures liver stiffness and fat content
• CT or MRI scans – Can help detect liver damage or cancer

Liver Biopsy

In some cases, a small sample of liver tissue may be taken to examine the extent of damage. This is usually only done if other tests are inconclusive or if a liver transplant is being considered.

Dr. Bojanapu and his team use these diagnostic tools to determine the best course of treatment for each patient. In Bangalore, patients can access advanced diagnostic facilities that are essential for managing viral hepatitis.

Treatment Options

Hepatitis B

Treatment for hepatitis B depends on whether the infection is acute or chronic.

• Acute Hepatitis B – Most people recover on their own without treatment. Rest, proper nutrition, and avoiding alcohol are important.
• Chronic Hepatitis B – May require long-term treatment with antiviral medications. These drugs help to control the virus and reduce liver damage. Common medications include tenofovir and entecavir.

Hepatitis C

Thanks to advances in medical science, hepatitis C can now be cured in most cases with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications. These medications are taken as pills for 8 to 12 weeks and have very high cure rates.

• Sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, velpatasvir, and others are commonly used.
• Treatment is usually tailored based on the genotype of the virus and whether the patient has liver damage or cirrhosis.

Lifestyle Changes

• Avoid alcohol – It can worsen liver damage
• Eat a healthy diet – Rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Exercise regularly – Helps maintain a healthy weight and supports liver function
• Avoid sharing personal items – Like razors or toothbrushes
• Use protection during sex – To prevent spreading the virus

Dr. Bojanapu recommends that patients in Bangalore follow a healthy lifestyle and adhere to their treatment plans. His clinic is one of the few in South India that offers access to the latest antiviral medications and personalized treatment plans.

When is Liver Transplant Needed

In some cases, viral hepatitis can cause severe and irreversible damage to the liver. When the liver is no longer able to function, a liver transplant may be necessary.

Indications for Liver Transplant

• Severe cirrhosis – When the liver is extensively scarred and can’t perform its normal functions
• Liver failure – When the liver is no longer able to process toxins or produce essential proteins
• Liver cancer – In some cases, a liver transplant may be an option if the cancer is caught early
• Refractory ascites – Fluid buildup in the abdomen that doesn’t respond to treatment
• Refractory variceal bleeding – Bleeding from enlarged veins in the stomach or esophagus that doesn’t respond to other treatments

Liver Transplant Process

• A patient is evaluated by a transplant team, which includes a hepatologist, surgeon, and other specialists.
• The patient is placed on a transplant waiting list based on the severity of their condition.
• A donor liver is matched based on blood type, size, and other factors.
• The transplant surgery is a major procedure that takes several hours.
• After the transplant, the patient will need lifelong immunosuppressant drugs to prevent rejection of the new liver.

Post-Transplant Care

• Patients need to continue antiviral treatment if they still have hepatitis B or C, to prevent the virus from coming back.
• Regular follow-up visits with the transplant team are essential.
• A healthy lifestyle is crucial to prevent complications and ensure the new liver functions well.

Dr. Srinivas Bojanapu is a leading liver transplant surgeon in Bangalore and has performed numerous successful liver transplants for patients with advanced viral hepatitis. His clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated team to support patients before, during, and after the transplant.

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In conclusion, viral hepatitis B and C are serious but treatable conditions. With early diagnosis, proper treatment, and lifestyle changes, most patients can lead long and healthy lives. In Bangalore, Dr. Bojanapu and his team at liverdoctor.in are committed to providing the best care for patients with viral hepatitis, including those who may require a liver transplant. If you or a loved one is concerned about hepatitis, don’t hesitate to seek expert help.