Hepatitis B and C: Differences, Testing, and Current Treatment

Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) can cause chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, but their transmission, prevention, and treatment differ. HBV has a vaccine. HCV has no vaccine, but direct-acting antivirals cure most people.

Hepatitis B

HBV is transmitted through blood, sex, and parent-to-child exposure. Vaccination is the main prevention method. Most adults clear acute HBV, but chronic infection requires assessment of the liver and viral activity. Tenofovir or entecavir can suppress HBV and reduce complications. Some people need long-term treatment and should not stop it independently.

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Hepatitis C

HCV is mainly blood-borne, including through shared injection equipment and unsafe procedures. Sexual transmission can occur but depends on context. Modern oral direct-acting antiviral regimens commonly take about 8–12 weeks and cure more than 95% of people. Interferon-era claims that genotype 1 requires a year of treatment with only a 50% cure rate are obsolete.

Testing

HBV assessment uses HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc according to the clinical question. HCV testing begins with antibody and confirms current infection with HCV RNA. Abnormal results require assessment of liver health, other medicines, and coinfections.

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Prevention

Never share injection or sharp equipment, use regulated tattoo and piercing services, use condoms when blood exposure or higher sexual risk is possible, and follow pregnancy screening guidance. People with HCV should be assessed for HBV and hepatitis A vaccination if not immune.

Verified references

Links and relevance to the article’s main topic were reviewed on 13 August 2026. Each source supports only the scope stated in the original document and does not replace personalised medical, legal, or service advice.

1. WHO: Hepatitis B fact sheet Accessed 13 August 2026