UPSC Prelims 2019 Q100: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
- (a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
- (b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
- (c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.
- (d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.
Answer: (b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
Explanation
Hepatitis B and C: What is NOT Correct
| Option | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| (a) | Hep B transmitted like HIV | CORRECT | Both HBV and HIV are blood-borne + sexually transmitted + vertical (mother-to-child). |
| (b) | Hep B, unlike Hep C, does NOT have a vaccine | NOT CORRECT (reversed) | Reversed! Hepatitis B DOES have a vaccine (widely used, part of national immunization). Hepatitis C does NOT have a vaccine (highly variable virus). |
| (c) | HBV + HCV infected numbers globally >> HIV | CORRECT | Global HBV ~296 million, HCV ~58 million, HIV ~38 million - Hepatitis dwarfs HIV. |
| (d) | HBV/HCV can be asymptomatic for years | CORRECT | Both cause chronic infection with delayed symptoms; often diagnosed only when liver damage manifests. |
The statement in (b) is factually reversed - Hep B has a vaccine, Hep C does not. Answer: (b) - the NOT-correct option.
Answer: (b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. (as NOT-correct). Hep B is indeed transmitted like HIV (blood, sex, vertical).
- (b) CORRECT. Choice (as the NOT-correct statement). The statement reverses reality: Hep B HAS a vaccine (widely used); Hep C does NOT have a vaccine.
- (c) Incorrect. (as NOT-correct). HBV and HCV infections globally do exceed HIV numbers.
- (d) Incorrect. (as NOT-correct). Both HBV and HCV can be asymptomatic for years.
Key point
Hep B HAS a vaccine (given at birth + booster in India's UIP). Hep C has NO vaccine yet. HBV ~296 mn, HCV ~58 mn, HIV ~38 mn globally. Both HBV/HCV asymptomatic for years.
Remember
The statement that Hepatitis B (unlike Hepatitis C) does NOT have a vaccine is factually REVERSED and therefore NOT correct. In reality, Hepatitis B HAS an effective vaccine (part of India's Universal Immunisation Programme), while Hepatitis C does NOT have a vaccine. Both are asymptomatic for years, transmitted like HIV, and globally infect many more people than HIV.
Common mistakes
- Reversing Hep B/Hep C vaccine status - Hep B is vaccinable, Hep C is not.
- Assuming all hepatitis viruses have vaccines - only Hep A and Hep B have effective vaccines.
- Not knowing India's Universal Immunisation Programme includes Hep B vaccine at birth.
Exam tip
Hepatitis vaccine map: Hep A = vaccine YES (inactivated). Hep B = vaccine YES (recombinant DNA, in UIP). Hep C = NO vaccine (high genetic variability). Hep D = prevented by Hep B vaccine (needs HBV for infection). Hep E = vaccine developed in China but limited use. Treatment for Hep C: direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) cure >95%.
Sources
- WHO - Global Hepatitis Report
- Ministry of Health - Universal Immunisation Programme (India)