Immunoprophylaxis of viral hepatitis: a practical guide.

There are presently available immune globulin preparations of proven efficacy and safety in the prophylaxis of type A and B viral hepatitis. Active vaccines for prevention of type B hepatitis are now available and are safe and effective. None of these preparations has been associated with the development of HTLV-III/LAV/HIV infection. Preexposure prophylaxis for type B hepatitis is indicated for health care workers who have frequent contact with blood, and most endoscopists would be among this group of high-risk individuals. Prenatal screening of pregnant women for HBsAg provides an opportunity to intervene in the vicious cycle of perpetuating a population of hepatitis B carriers via perinatal transmission. Unfortunately until serological tags for the non-A non-B hepatitis viruses are identified, there will be no effective vaccination for this form of hepatitis. Patients who already have acute or chronic viral hepatitis must await the advent of safe and effective antiviral agents for treatment of these viral infections.