Latest news with #SaswataChatterjee
The Print
7 days ago
- Health
- The Print
All about hepatitis D, deadly viral hepatitis given a ‘cancer' tag by WHO
Hepatitis D or HDV, which only affects individuals infected with hepatitis B, is associated with a two- to six-fold higher risk of liver cancer compared to hepatitis B alone, according to the IARC. Viral hepatitis, characterised by inflammation of the liver, can be caused by the five known hepatitis viruses—A, B, C, D and E. Among these, only hepatitis B, C, and D can lead to chronic infections that significantly increase the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. New Delhi: The World Health Organisation-International Agency for Research in Cancer (WHO-IARC) has now declared hepatitis D, a little-known but deadly viral hepatitis, as carcinogenic, expressing hope that this will lead to more screening and access to new treatments. It is estimated that globally, 48 million people are affected with HDV, which in combination with the hepatitis B virus, has the highest fatality rate of all the hepatitis infections, at 20 percent. Its prevalence is highest in low- and middle-income regions in Africa and Asia, apart from the Amazon basin and India. Scientific evidence has shown that 8-37 percent, depending on the region, of those infected with hepatitis B, also have HDV. A 2024 report by the WHO had said that India had over 3.5 crore cases of viral hepatitis—including 2.98 crore hepatitis B cases—in 2022, accounting for 11.6 percent of the total disease burden globally that year. Over 1.25 lakh people, the report suggested, had died due to hepatitis B and C in India that year. Senior gastroenterologists and public health professionals suggested that HDV is largely undetected in the country, mainly because of lack of screening, and is more prevalent in some parts of east India and among people infected with HBV. 'From a public health perspective, this classification by WHO-IARC highlights the importance of incorporating HDV awareness, screening, and prevention into the existing hepatitis B prevention programme,' Dr Saswata Chatterjee, gastroenterologist with the Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI), told ThePrint. With liver cancer becoming a challenging burden, screening and early detection of co-infections, such as HDV, will be crucial in reducing chronic complications of viral hepatitis, he added. Also Read: Govt says no plan to ban heartburn drug ranitidine, carcinogenic impurities within safe limits HBV triggers rapid progression to end-stage liver failure Dr Piyush Ranjan, senior gastroenterologist with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, explained that HDV is a satellite virus that requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication, causing the most aggressive form of viral hepatitis. Compared to hepatitis B and C, HDV leads to more rapid progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer. In clinical terms, explained CMRI's Dr Chatterjee, HDV occurs as a co-infection—when it is contracted simultaneously with HBV—or a superinfection—when an individual who is chronically infected with HBV becomes infected with HDV. While HBV increases the risk of developing liver complications, HDV increases this risk substantially, accelerating the progression of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and malignancy. The mode of transmission of this hepatitis virus is similar to hepatitis B and C—through contaminated injections, mother to child, and sexual contact. Dr Vibhor Sharma, a medical oncologist with Asian Hospital, highlighted that co-dependency of HDV on HBV leads to making hepatitis worse in patients. 'HDV-triggered liver disease is more severe as it can result in end-stage liver failure in less than ten years,' he said, adding that as compared to the general population in India, this form of hepatitis is seen more commonly in intravenous drug users, HIV/AIDS patients and those with chronic HBV. The declaration by the WHO-IARC is crucial, said the medical oncologist as HDV, despite its aggressiveness in triggering liver cancers, is mostly undiagnosed and is grossly underreported in developing countries such as India. Prevention and management Clinicians say HDV is preventable at a low cost, through immunisation. The effective methods to prevent both HBV and HDV are the vaccines against hepatitis B, safe blood practices, sterilisation of medical equipment, and safe sex practices, said Dr Chatterjee. The HBV vaccine in India, as part of the Union government 's Universal Immunization Programme, was piloted in 2002-03 and then scaled up in the entire country in 2010 to protect children from the acute infection. It is now provided as part of the pentavalent vaccine at 6, 10 & 14 weeks apart from the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine. However, a 2020 study from India said that although the coverage of third-dose hepatitis B vaccine has reached 86 percent in the country, the birth dose coverage was under 50 percent in 2015 despite high rates of institutional deliveries. The WHO says that while treatment with oral medicine can cure hepatitis C within 2 to 3 months and effectively suppress hepatitis B with life-long therapy, treatment options for hepatitis D are evolving. Sir Ganga Ram's Dr Ranjan maintained that for those already infected, management is challenging, with limited approved therapies, though newer agents like bulevirtide—an antiviral therapy especially developed against the condition—offer promise. 'The carcinogen tag will hopefully intensify global surveillance, funding, and research to curb the burden of HDV-associated liver cancer,' said the gastroenterologist. (Edited by Gitanjali Das) Also Read: Cancer warning on liquor bottles 'long overdue'. Even 'light', 'moderate' drinking poses threat
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Gastroenterologist shares 5 probiotic foods to add to your monsoon diet: Idli, dosa to kanji and buttermilk
What are probiotics, and why do they matter in monsoon? If you've heard the term probiotics before, know that they are more than a passing trend — thanks to their excellent digestive properties. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Saswata Chatterjee, gastroenterologist at CMRI Kolkata, said fermented and probiotic-rich foods not only help in digestion, but also boost immunity. Also read | Not having dahi or kimchi? Doctor reveals why you must have natural probiotics; shares 4 facts about gut health Dr Chatterjee said, 'The rainy days are notorious for wreaking havoc on digestion, but nature has ever so cleverly endowed us with a solution for this dilemma: fermented and probiotic-rich foods.' According to the Cleveland Clinic, in addition to keeping microbiome balanced, probiotics help fight off germs, prevent and treat dysbiosis (which is an imbalance of the gut microbes), and help prevent infections. 'Such foods are capable of erecting an environment for the sustenance of good gut bacteria and help in digestion, while also boosting immunity. These are vital as weather turns humid and our bodies are then more prone to infections. Some of the fermented foods rich in probiotics that can be included in one's monsoon diet,' Dr Chatterjee added. According to him, consuming the following natural probiotics will help keep your digestive system healthy and seasonal infections at bay – just remember freshness and hygiene when it comes to fermented foods. He said, 'It is a lighter, more hydrating version of curd and is soothing to the stomach in the humid monsoon.' Dr Chatterjee added, 'Curd being a time-tested favorite contains live cultures that help in recolonising the gut flora while also aiding digestion and preventing bloating.' 'These south Indian classics are made from fermented rice and lentils, which encourage good gut health when freshly steamed,' Dr Chatterjee said. He added, 'Naturally fermented pickles prepared at home can give your probiotics a good push; salt levels, however, should be monitored.' Dr Chatterjee concluded, 'A fermented north Indian carrot or beetroot drink, the kanji is full of healthy bacteria and is easy to prepare.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The trailer of Eken: Benaras e Bibhishika is out
The Eken: Benaras e Bibhishika brings back the beloved detective Eken Babu for his most vibrant and thrilling adventure yet. Set against the mystic backdrop of Benaras, the story unfolds with a breathtaking aerial view of the ancient city — its golden temples, bustling ghats, and narrow alleys brimming with secrets. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Eken Babu, played by , arrives with his signature wit and curiosity, only to find himself caught in a web of mystery surrounding the grand celebration of Masaan Holi . What begins as a festive journey quickly turns tense when a theft disrupts the celebrations and a chilling warning emerges. Saswata Chatterjee, in multiple intriguing avatars, plays Belal Mallik — a figure who hints at an imminent disaster during the sacred festival. As colors swirl and flames rise, Eken Babu races against time to untangle a mystery where every clue leads deeper into danger. Joining him are his loyal companions Babi Babu (Suhotra Mukhopadhyay) and Pramatha (Somak Ghosh), along with a compelling cast. portrays the enigmatic Damini, while Gaurav Chakrabarty's Subimal hides layers of complexity. The ensemble, including Biswanath Basu, Debesh Chattopadhyay, Rishav Basu, Sagnik Chatterjee, and Swikriti Majumdar, enrich the story with suspense and emotion. A special trailer launch by the river turned into a heartfelt celebration, with young fans lighting up the evening with their songs and handmade tributes. This cinematic journey promises mystery, magic, and unforgettable moments. As the sun set over the river and the city lights flickered alive, the entire cast and crew — came together to unveil the much-anticipated trailer. Amidst laughter, nostalgia, and endless photo moments, the event turned into a grand celebration of stories, friendships, and the enduring magic of Eken Babu.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Saswata Chatterjee slips into different shadows in The Eken: Benaras e Bibhishika
In The Eken – Benaras e Bibhishika , directed by Joydeep Mukherjee Saswata Chatterjee doesn't just act — he transforms. Slipping through the sacred chaos of Benaras, he becomes many: a weary old man, a sharp-eyed cop, a towering Punjabi, a saffron-clad monk, a bleach-blonde Goan, and more. Each avatar is a clue, a question. Disguises? Multiple roles? Or one man hiding in plain sight? The thriller sees Saswata weaving through shadows while Eken Babu (Anirban Chakrabarti) dives into a chilling conspiracy. Coded messages, hidden pendants, and eerie paintings lead to the haunting climax at Masaan Holi — where the city's ghosts dance with the living. Rooted in the spirit of classics like Joy Baba Felunath , the film blends suspense, wit, and culture. With a screenplay by Padmanabha Dasgupta based on Sujan Dasgupta's story, Benaras e Bibhishika makes Benaras more than a setting — it's a mystery of its own. And through it all, Saswata Chatterjee remains the biggest mystery. Is he the thread tying it all together — or the illusion that keeps us guessing?
