Review: hepatitis B immune globulin for prevention of hepatitis B infection.

Specific hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) contains a high titer of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigens and provides immediate passive protection against infection with hepatitis B virus, after acute exposure to infection. It is now generally combined with active immunization with hepatitis B vaccine. The principal indications for administration of HBIG are: a single acute percutaneous exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV); mucocutaneous exposure; unprotected sexual exposure; mother-to-infant transmission; prevention of re-infection after liver transplantation; non-responders to hepatitis B vaccine and immunosuppressed patients.