Epidemiology and prevention of hepatitis B virus infection

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been a major global cause of morbidity and mortality. The recognition of the problem led to a worldwide effort to reduce transmission of HBV through routine infant vaccination. HBV infection is the most common cause of chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma in Korea. After hepatitis B vaccine era, seroprevalence of hepatits B surface antigen is decreasing, particularly in children. Hepatitis B vaccine is remarkably safe and shows high immunogenicity. Universal childhood immunization with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine in the first year of life is a highly effective method for prevention and control of hepatitis B.

Study of Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Titres in Female Medical Students Post Vaccination

“…Almost 5-10% of vaccinees do not respond to these conventional vaccines (non-responders: HBsAbs<10 IU/L after 3 doses of conventional vaccine) (Kubbu et al, 2003). Vaccination failure depends on age, obesity, smoking, male gender, and immune suppression (Kwon et al, 2011). The response rates are also lower in immune compromised patients, such as transplant recipients, patients receiving chemotherapy and those with end-stage liver disease.…”

The CCR5-∆32 Mutation: Impact on Disease Outcome in Individuals with Hepatitis B Infection in the Southern Khorasan Population (East of Iran)

“…This medical issue may lead to an acute or chronic infection, and around 350 to 400 million individuals around the world are chronically infected with HBV (2). Over 90% of new-borns, and up to half of all younger children between age 1 and 5 with infection, will develop a chronic infection (3,4). Although some infected adults with HBV could recover, 5% to 7% of individuals develop a chronic HBV infection (5,6).…”

Mean platelet volume is increased in patients with chronic hepatitis B

“…A strong relationship has been found with essential mixed cryoglobulinemia, glomerulonephritis, and porphyria tarda. Additionally, HBV infection has been associated with extrahepatic involvements such as Sjogren's syndrome, lichen planus, and Hashimato's thyroiditis [1,2].…”