Outcome of a hepatitis B vaccination program for clients of a drug consumption facility

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver associated with both acute and chronic manifestations. Worldwide, an estimated 240 million people are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus, defined as carriers of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for at least 6 months Meireles et al., 2015; WHO, 2002/2017). People with chronic hepatitis B are at risk to develop liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and, importantly, are a relevant source for transmission of the virus to uninfected individuals.

Source: Journal of Clinical Virology - April 23, 2018 Category: Virology Authors: N. Scherbaum, J. Timm, F. Richter, U. Bonnet, J. Bombeck, S. Lajos, M. Specka Source Type: research