Why do only 13% of people living with chronic hepatitis B have been diagnosed?

Introduction 

There are several reasons for the low diagnosis rate of chronic hepatitis B.

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a serious viral infection that affects the liver. 

Despite being a major global health issue, with an estimated 257 million people living with chronic hepatitis B worldwide, only a fraction have been diagnosed. One reason for this low diagnosis rate is the silent progression of the disease. In many cases, individuals with chronic hepatitis B may not experience any symptoms for decades, leading them to remain unaware of their infection status. This asymptomatic phase allows the virus to silently damage the liver, potentially leading to severe complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer if left untreated.Furthermore, limited access to healthcare services and low awareness about hepatitis B contribute to the underdiagnosis of the disease. In some regions, healthcare infrastructure may be inadequate, making it difficult for individuals to access screening tests and receive appropriate medical care. Additionally, there may be cultural or social barriers that prevent people from seeking testing and treatment for hepatitis B, including stigma associated with the disease.

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 Fear of discrimination or ostracization may discourage individuals from discussing their risk factors or seeking help from healthcare providers.Another challenge in diagnosing chronic hepatitis B is the lack of routine screening for the virus in many healthcare settings. Unlike other infectious diseases with widespread screening programs, such as HIV or tuberculosis, hepatitis B screening is not universally implemented. 

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As a result, many individuals may not be tested for hepatitis B unless they specifically request it or present with symptoms related to liver disease. This lack of routine screening contributes to the underdiagnosis of the disease, particularly among populations at high risk, such as immigrants from regions where hepatitis B is endemic and individuals with a family history of the virus.Efforts to improve the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B include increasing awareness about the importance of testing and treatment, especially among high-risk populations. Public health campaigns and community outreach programs can help educate individuals about hepatitis B transmission, prevention, and the availability of screening and vaccination services. Additionally, integrating hepatitis B screening into routine healthcare practices and expanding access to testing in underserved communities can help identify more cases of the virus and link individuals to appropriate medical care. By addressing these barriers to diagnosis, it is possible to improve the detection and management of chronic hepatitis B, ultimately reducing the burden of liver disease and its associated complications on a global scale.