Immunization for Hepatitis B Infection: Interest, Information, and Initiative?

1993 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 335-335
Author(s):  
Caroline Breese Hall
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Hepatitis B Infection ◽  
Hbsag Positivity ◽  
American Academy Of Pediatrics ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Cdc 2

Concerns and confusion have risen over the recent recommendations for universal immunization to prevent infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)1 and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).2 Both of these recommendations, collaboratively developed, recommend universal immunization of infants against HBV as well as the continued previous strategies of screening all pregnant women for HBsAg positivity and immunizing all high-risk groups. The AAP further recommends that all adolescents be immunized in recognition of the increased risk and rate of acquiring HBV in this age group.

scholarly journals Delta hepatitis: molecular biology and clinical and epidemiological features.

1993 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
L B Polish ◽  
M Gallagher ◽  
H A Fields ◽  
S C Hadler
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Hepatitis Delta Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B Infection ◽  
Hepatitis Delta ◽  
Hepatitis Delta Virus Infection ◽  
B Virus ◽  
The World ◽  
Delta Virus

Hepatitis delta virus, discovered in 1977, requires the help of hepatitis B virus to replicate in hepatocytes and is an important cause of acute, fulminant, and chronic liver disease in many regions of the world. Because of the helper function of hepatitis delta virus, infection with it occurs either as a coinfection with hepatitis B or as a superinfection of a carrier of hepatitis B surface antigen. Although the mechanisms of transmission are similar to those of hepatitis B virus, the patterns of transmission of delta virus vary widely around the world. In regions of the world in which hepatitis delta virus infection is not endemic, the disease is confined to groups at high risk of acquiring hepatitis B infection and high-risk hepatitis B carriers. Because of the propensity of this viral infection to cause fulminant as well as chronic liver disease, continued incursion of hepatitis delta virus into areas of the world where persistent hepatitis B infection is endemic will have serious implications. Prevention depends on the widespread use of hepatitis B vaccine. This review focuses on the molecular biology and the clinical and epidemiologic features of this important viral infection.

Vaccination Induced Immunity to the Hepatitis B Virus among High-Risk Groups in Glasgow 1993–2001: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the United Kingdom's Selective Immunisation Policy

2008 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 13-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
KM Roy ◽  
DJ Goldberg ◽  
K Wilson ◽  
SO Cameron
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Selective Approach ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Increased Risk

Background and Aims The United Kingdom has adopted a selective approach to the control of hepatitis B (HBV), vaccinating those at increased risk of infection through lifestyle, occupation or other factors such as close contact with a case or carrier. This paper sought to assess the effectiveness of the targeted HBV vaccination programme, by determining the level of immunity and exposure to HBV infection among three high risk groups (injecting drug users (IDUs), men who have sex with men (MSM) and heterosexuals attending genitourinary medicine clinics) at three time points between 1993–2001 in Glasgow, Scotland. Methods Residual sera from i) IDUs having a named HIV test and ii) MSM and heterosexual men and women attending GUM clinics and undergoing routine syphilis serology testing, were tested anonymously for HBV infection. Results The overall prevalence of HBV infection remained at a low level in all three risk groups. IDUs continue to be the group at greatest risk of infection. Discussion Despite the implementation of new initiatives targeting high-risk groups, vaccination levels remain low in the populations studied.

scholarly journals Heterosexual Transmission of Hepatitis B and Implications for Vaccine Prevention Strategies

1991 ◽  
Vol 2 (suppl a) ◽  
pp. 13-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam J Alter
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus Infection ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Homosexual Activity

Since 1985, cases of hepatitis B virus infection attributable to heterosexual activity have increased by 38%, whereas those attributable to homosexual activity have declined by 62%, Heterosexual activity now accounts for 26% of cases and has replaced homosexual activity in importance as a risk factor for hepatitis B. For heterosexuals, the number of recent (ie, in the preceding four to six months) and lifetime sex partners, as well as a history of other sexually transmitted diseases (eg. syphilis) appear to be significantly associated with increased hepatitis B virus infection. Of equal concern is the rising number of cases among parenteral drug users in the United States and some minority groups, including blacks, Hispanics and Asians. Hepatitis B prevention by administering hepatitis B vaccine to high risk groups before exposure to infection has not been successful, and at least 30% of hepatitis B cases in the United States have no identifiable risk factors. Thus, participation in the current programs which target only high risk groups is not possible. The ideal immunization strategy is integration of hepatitis B vaccine in to the routine childhood immunization schedule.

A Multi-Hospital Hepatitis B Vaccine Program: Prevalence of Antibody and Acceptance of Vaccination Among High-Risk Hospital Employees

1985 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph J. Klimek ◽  
Lee Brettman ◽  
Ellen Neuhaus ◽  
Richard A. Garibaldi
Keyword(s):  
Relative Risk ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Hbv Vaccine ◽  
Hospital Employees ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Urban University

AbstractIn July 1982, five Hartford hospitals embarked on a joint hospital-sponsored program to immunize high-risk employees against hepatitis B virus (HBV). The program included a questionnaire to characterize relative risk, serology for anti-HBs, vaccination and a follow-up survey of vaccine non-recipients.Of 2,065 employees who were considered to be at high-risk for infection with HBV, 1,894 (91.7%) responded to the screening questionnaire and 1,279 (67.5%) were tested for anti-HBs serology. The prevalence of antibody varied from hospital to hospital; the highest prevalence (10.9%) was observed at one of the urban university-affiliated community hospitals and the lowest prevalence (4.1%) was reported from the smaller, rural hospital. The prevalence of antibody also varied greatly within the high-risk groups; the highest prevalence of antibody was seen among surgical house officers (15%). The rate of acceptance of vaccine among hospitals ranged from 57.5% to 23.7%. Reasons for vaccine non-acceptance included fear of as yet unknown side effects, perceived low risk of hepatitis acquisition and possible effects on present or future pregnancies.Our experience illustrates some of the epidemiologic and practical aspects that must be addressed in administering a hospital-based HBV vaccine program. Among the five hospitals, we saw marked inter- and intra-hospital variations in the prevalence of anti-HBs among high-risk employees. More significantly, we observed unexpectedly low rates of vaccine acceptance among high-risk personnel.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and prevalence of hepatitis B virus among healthcare workers: a cross-sectional, hospital-based study in Bamenda Health District, NWR, Cameroon

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. e031075
Author(s):  
Etheline Akazong W ◽  
Christopher Tume ◽  
Richard Njouom ◽  
Lawrence Ayong ◽  
Victor Fondoh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hbsag Positivity ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Hbv Transmission

IntroductionHepatitis B virus (HBV) is a bloodborne virus which can be transmitted via percutaneous and mucocutaneous exposure to infected body fluid. Healthcare workers (HCWs) who are continuously exposed to different body fluids are at an increased risk of contracting and transmitting this virus. It is thus important to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of HCWs towards HBV and the prevalence of HBV infection among them.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out between April and September 2017. Overall, 398 HCWs were recruited for this study. Knowledge on the route of HBV transmission and attitude towards HBV were evaluated using a well-structured questionnaire. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity was obtained using the Monolisa HBsAg ULTRA kit (Bio-Rad). Data were analysed using SPSS V.20.ResultsAmong the HCWs who participated in this study, 338 (84.9%) had heard of HBV, and 269 (67.6%) of them had adequate knowledge on the route of HBV transmission. Medical doctors were the most knowledgeable among biomedical workers and students (76.5%). The rate of stigma was highest among nurses (87, 38.8%). The prevalence of HBsAg positivity was high (42, 10.6%) given that there is an efficient and available vaccine. Overall, over 70% of HCWs invited to participate in this study responded.ConclusionKnowledge on the route of HBV transmission was fair, and the level of stigmatisation of HBV-infected patients and the prevalence of HBV infection were high in this study. A sensitisation campaign should be carried out to educate HCWs on HBV, thus reducing the level of stigma associated with HBV as well as the probability of contracting HBV as a nosocomial infection.

Hepatitis B Immunization in Infants of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen-Negative Mothers

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 92 (5) ◽  
pp. 717-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
GAETANO CHIRICO ◽  
CESARE BELLONI ◽  
ANTONELLA GASPARONI ◽  
ROSA MARIA CERBO ◽  
GIORGIO RONDINI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
The United States ◽  
American Academy Of Pediatrics ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Selective Strategy ◽  
High Risk Populations ◽  
Vaccine Availability

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Infectious Diseases and the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee of the Centers for Disease Control have recently pointed out that the selective strategy of immunization against hepatitis B virus (HBV) of high-risk populations has not resulted in the limitation of the diffusion of the disease. In fact, in spite of vaccine availability for more than 10 years, about 200 000 to 300 000 new cases of infection occur in the United States each year. Therefore, the AAP recommended the "universal hepatitis B immunization" strategy as a means to control the disease.1,2 In Italy, where about 400 000 new cases of infection are expected each year, the vaccination has been extended to all newborns, regardless of mother's serologic status (and, for the first 12 years, to all 12-year-old adolescents), with a law promulgated in May 1991.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Tonga: Identifying High Risk Groups for Immunization with Hepatitis B Vaccine

1986 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 567-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
ROBERT B WAINWRIGHT ◽  
BRIAN J MCMAHON ◽  
THOMAS R BENDER ◽  
WILLIAM L HEYWARD ◽  
STEVEN NAKANISHI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Hepatitis B Vaccine ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus Infection ◽  
B Virus

Cost-Effectiveness of Hepatitis-B Vaccine in Greece: A Country of Intermediate HBV Endemicity

1991 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 256-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evi J. Hatziandreu ◽  
Angelos Hatzakis ◽  
Stefanos Hatziyannis ◽  
Mark A. Kane ◽  
Milton C. Weinstein
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Vaccination Program ◽  
Hepatitis B Infection ◽  
Extensive Program ◽  
Intermediate Endemicity ◽  
The Cost

AbstractWe evaluated the cost-effectiveness of (a) a vaccination program for the prevention of hepatitis B; and (b) the two commercially available vaccines (Merck Sharp and Dohme; Pasteur Institute) in Greece, a country of intermediate endemicity. We examined cases of hepatitis-B infection prevented and the expected medical costs among the high-risk groups of medical and nursing students, hospital personnel, and the general population. Employing a vaccination program reduces considerably the risk of infection, especially in the high-risk groups, while it increases the total cost. The vaccines are very comparable in terms of both health and economic outcomes. Sensitivity analysis indicated that vaccine cost, incidence of hepatitis B, and compliance were the key factors for the choice of (a) whether to undertake an extensive program to prevent hepatitis-B infection and its chronic sequelae; and (b) which vaccine to administer.

scholarly journals Knowledge attitude and practice on prevention of hepatitis B infection among medical students of a tertiary care centre in Tamil Nadu, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 492
Author(s):  
Vasantha Mallika M. C. ◽  
Sivaanusuya S.
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Hepatitis B Infection ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Background: Hepatitis B infection is a serious global public health problem. About two billion people are infected with hepatitis B Virus (HBV) all over the world. The prevalence of HBV infection in India is 4%(2%-8%) with more prevalence among health care workers. Medical students represent a group that is at high-risk for acquiring and spreading hepatitis B infection. Despite increasing prevalence of HBV infection, there is paucity of knowledge, attitude and practice on HBV among medical students. Objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices on prevention of hepatitis B infection among medical students of Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulasekharam.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 205 MBBS students using a pretested self-administered questionnaire for assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice on prevention of HBV infection after obtaining informed consent from the participants.Results: Among 205 MBBS students, correct response towards Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices were given by 77.07%, 77.56%, and 76.59% respectively, 79.5% of the students were fully vaccinated; 20.5% were partially vaccinated against Hepatitis B Virus infection.Conclusions: The medical students are at a very high risk of contracting HBV infection during their training period in view of low HBV vaccine uptake rate and high chance of accidental exposure to blood infected with HBV. Creating awareness among medical students on various aspects of Hepatitis B infection through health education programs before their exposure in medical colleges and subjecting them to active immunization against HBV are mandatory to control the spread of Hepatitis B viral infection.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document