Global Epidemiology of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection

Abstract

Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a top health priority worldwide and a devastating cause of morbidity and mortality accounting for more than 600,000 deaths in 2013. It is mainly transmitted through percutaneous or mucosal contact with infected blood or other body fluids. In high-endemic settings, the commonest route of transmission is from infected mothers to neonates, whereas in areas of low endemicity the infection is mostly acquired during adolescence and early adulthood through high-risk behaviors. More than 350 million are chronically infected with HBV, ranging from <0.5 % in areas of low endemicity to above 8 % in highly-endemic countries, with hyperendemic foci in South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions. Expansion of national immunization programs with >80 % coverage globally has resulted in a steady decline in the prevalence of HBV. However, there are remaining threats to the successful eradication of HBV worldwide. We review available data on global epidemiology of HBV infection, also focusing on transmission modes by region and specific preventative measures instituted.

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“…[3] This signified that almost 2 million HCWs are exposed to hepatitis B virus (HBV); 0.9 million to hepatitis C virus (HCV); and 170,000 to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). According to Papastergiou et al (2015), more than 350 million are chronically infected with HBV around the world, especially in areas of low endemicity to 8 percent in high endemic areas with intense endemic foci in the Western Pacific Regions and Southeast Asia. [4] Hassan and Wahsheh (2009) explained that there is a subjective requirement to provide educational and training courses to healthcare workers who have experience of more than 2 years in the medical and nursing fields.…”

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