Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are chronic viral infections that can silently damage the liver over time—often without any early warning signs. In the UAE, thousands may be living with hepatitis B or C without knowing it, increasing their risk of serious complications such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
At King’s Liver Transplant Centre of Excellence, we are dedicated to the early detection, management, and treatment of hepatitis C and hepatitis B in UAE.
Our mission is clear: Detect early, treat effectively, and preserve liver health for a better tomorrow.
Understanding hepatitis B and hepatitis C
Hepatitis B and C are infections caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV), respectively. Both viruses spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids and often remain unnoticed due to mild or no initial symptoms.
Without timely treatment, chronic hepatitis B and C can progress to serious liver conditions, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
Symptoms to watch for
Hepatitis B and C often share similar symptoms, especially in the early stages. Many individuals may not experience noticeable signs until the liver has been significantly affected.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Dark urine
- Pale or clay-coloured stools
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Joint or muscle pain
- Low-grade fever
- Mental confusion or brain fog (in advanced cases)
Because symptoms often develop late, regular screening is critical for those at risk.
Causes and transmission
Both hepatitis B and C viruses spread primarily through:
- Sharing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment
- Blood transfusions (when blood is not properly screened)
- Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth
- Sexual contact (hepatitis B is more easily transmitted sexually than hepatitis C)
Hepatitis C sexual transmission is especially notable among men who have sex with men, particularly through receptive anal sex.
Why does early detection matter?
Early detection of Hepatitis B and C is crucial because these infections can silently damage the liver over time without obvious symptoms.
Identifying the viruses in their early stages allows for timely medical intervention, which can:
- Prevent progression to serious liver conditions like cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
- Enable effective treatment—especially for Hepatitis C, which is often curable with antiviral medication.
- Reduce transmission to others through lifestyle changes and precautions.
- Improve quality of life by managing symptoms and monitoring liver health.
Detecting the infection early gives patients the best chance at long-term health and liver preservation.
Detecting hepatitis C and hepatitis B in UAE
Early and accurate diagnosis of Hepatitis B and C involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests:
- Physical examination: Checking for signs like jaundice, abdominal tenderness, or liver enlargement, though early stages may show no symptoms.
- Blood tests: These are the most essential tools for detecting hepatitis:
- Hepatitis B panel: Includes tests for HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen), anti-HBs (antibodies), and HBV DNA to detect active infection and immune response.
- Hepatitis C antibody test: Detects past or present infection. A positive result is confirmed with an HCV RNA test to check for active virus.
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs): Measure enzyme levels that indicate liver inflammation or damage.
- Imaging tests: Ultrasound and MRI are noninvasive methods for detecting liver damage, fibrosis, or signs of cirrhosis.
- Liver biopsy: A small liver tissue sample is examined to evaluate the extent of liver inflammation or scarring.
Treatment options at King’s liver transplant centre of excellence
Hepatitis B treatment in UAE
Not all chronic Hepatitis B patients require treatment. Treatment is usually recommended when virus levels are high, and liver tests show significant inflammation or damage.
There are seven approved drugs, with two first-line oral medications taken once daily. These drugs effectively suppress the virus to very low or undetectable levels but do not cure the infection.
The goal is to control the virus long-term and lower the risk of complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis C treatment in UAE
For many years, Hepatitis C treatment relied on interferon injections with serious side effects and low cure rates. Recent advances now offer oral medications that are safer and more effective.
Since there are six types of Hepatitis C, patients should consult their doctor for the right treatment.
Most oral therapies have cure rates over 90% and usually last about 12 weeks.
Prevention of hepatitis B and hepatitis C
- Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B in UAE.
- Avoid sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes.
- Avoid unprotected sex with multiple partners.
- Practice safe sex by using condoms.
- Ensure blood products are screened before transfusion.
- Pregnant women should be tested to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Hepatitis B and C test price in UAE — Affordable and comprehensive
At King’s Liver Transplant Centre in the UAE, comprehensive testing for Hepatitis B and C is available as part of the Advanced STD Panel, which costs around 1400 AED. This panel offers extensive screening to ensure your intimate health is thoroughly checked.
Along with Hepatitis B and C, it includes tests for Chlamydia Trachomatis, Mycoplasma Genitalium and Hominis, Neisseria, Ureaplasma Urealyticum and Parvum, HSV I and II, HIV, and Syphilis—providing a complete and reliable health assessment.
If you’re specifically seeking hepatitis C or hepatitis B test price in Dubai, we offer competitive and transparent pricing tailored to patient needs.
King’s liver transplant centre of excellence: Leading care for hepatitis C and hepatitis B in UAE
Affiliated with King’s College Hospital London, one of the world’s leading liver care centres, King’s Liver Transplant Centre of Excellence brings internationally recognised standards and expertise to the UAE.
Our multidisciplinary team offers compassionate, state-of-the-art care at every stage—from early detection and antiviral therapy to advanced liver disease management and transplantation.
Protect your liver and your future.
Book your consultation today and take the first step towards expert hepatitis care.
FAQs
Hepatitis B continues to be a major health concern in UAE, with many unaware they’re infected. Early screening and awareness are vital to prevent complications. King’s Liver Transplant Centre of Excellence is dedicated to providing expert care for hepatitis B in UAE.
Hepatitis C often shows no symptoms until advanced liver damage occurs. Symptoms may include fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain. If you are at risk due to past blood transfusions, injection drug use, or other factors, early testing is recommended.
Hepatitis C treatment in UAE has advanced significantly, with highly effective oral antiviral drugs offering cure rates over 90%. Treatment duration usually lasts around 12 weeks.
Hepatitis B treatment in UAE involves antiviral medications to suppress the virus and protect the liver. At King’s Liver Transplant Centre of Excellence, we offer leading oral therapies to reduce risks like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
