The evolving efforts to control hepatitis B virus.

BACKGROUND

Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, hepatitis B virus continues to be a major health threat to populations in both developed and undeveloped countries. In undeveloped countries, this virus often infects children, who then have a high risk of progressing to chronicity. In developed countries, adolescents and adults are at risk of hepatitis B virus transmission during sexual contact. Those who progress to chronic hepatitis B risk premature death and serve as a reservoir for virus transmission.

METHODS

Barriers to global control of hepatitis B virus and strategies for increasing awareness of vaccination for reducing risk for contracting hepatitis B were reviewed.

RESULTS

With the varied patterns of infection and transmission, multiple strategies and recommendations have been proposed by health organizations around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has targeted hepatitis B as one of eight infectious diseases that should be controlled through vaccination efforts. Canada and the United States have recently recommended universal hepatitis B vaccination for their adolescent populations.

CONCLUSIONS

This hard-to-reach cohort may benefit from mass media educational efforts, especially the use of television. Control of hepatitis B virus continues to be elusive; therefore, an ongoing commitment to hepatitis B vaccination programs is warranted.