Epidemiology and prevention of hepatitis B virus infection.
10.3350/kjhep.2011.17.2.87
- Author:
So Young KWON
1
;
Chang Hong LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. chlee@kuh.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Hepatitis B virus;
Epidemiology;
Vaccine;
Prevention
- MeSH:
Hepatitis B/*epidemiology/immunology/*prevention & control;
Hepatitis B Antibodies/blood/immunology;
Hepatitis B Vaccines/immunology/therapeutic use;
Hepatitis B virus/genetics/immunology;
Humans;
Vaccination
- From:The Korean Journal of Hepatology
2011;17(2):87-95
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
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.
