Hepatitis B Rates Drop Among Kids Due To Effective Vaccination Programs, More Efforts Needed For Adults

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Academic Journal
Main Category: Liver Disease / Hepatitis
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines;  Sexual Health / STDs;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 28 Feb 2011 - 14:00 PDT


Approximately 5.1% of the American population had been exposed to HBV (Hepatitis B virus) between 1988 and 1994, researchers wrote in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Since that date, extensive vaccination campaigns for children, as well as education about safe practices should have led to a drop in HBV infection rates.

Unfortunately, however, during the same timeframe, rates for those at highest risk of HBV infection rose. Leaving a question regarding current HBV rates in the United States.

Scientists carried out a national population-based survey to find out what the prevalence and associations of HBV, past exposure, and immunity in America was between 1999 and 2008.

They found that HBV exposure among individuals aged 18 years or less was extremely low, an indication of effective vaccination programs among the young.

Even though young Americans are most likely have considerable protection, adults in high-risk groups still have low rates of immunity for HBV.

The authors conclude future vaccination efforts should target at-risk adults.

Hepatitis B - this is a sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by the virus HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) and is spread by contact with infected blood, semen, and some other body fluids. You get Hepatitis B by having unprotected sex with an infected person, using a syringe that was used by an infected person, having your skin perforated by unsterilized needles, consuming an infected mother's milk, or being bitten by an infected person.

The liver of an individual with Hepatitis B swells. They can suffer serious liver damage. In some cases the disease becomes chronic (lifelong or long-term). Donated blood today is always tested for Hepatitis B.

"Hepatitis B Virus in the United States: Infection, Exposure, and Immunity Rates in a Nationally Representative Survey"
G.N. Ioannou
Annals of Internal Medicine 319 - 1^st March 2011

Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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