The spread of hepatitis B virus infection has occurred worldwide, and several factors create a predisposition for its transmission. Hemodialysis patients, public safety workers, and residents and staff in health care facilities for the developmentally disabled or any other medical center will be at risk for this disease. Health care staff can take the three-injection series for the hepatitis B vaccine and become immune to the condition (Centers for Disease Control, 2011).
Disease Predisposition
People who travel to countries where the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection is intermediate or high will be at risk for the disease. This is especially true for voluntary expatriates, missionaries, and long-term aid workers who visit those regions of the world. The screening of blood and blood products is quite effective in the United States today, but if one receives blood products which have not undergone adequate assessment, there will be risk.
Any exposure to blood which may be contaminated will pose a risk for disease acquisition especially if mucous membranes or skin which is not intact become the point of contact. This includes cuts, sores, ulcers, and other wounds or damage to the tissue. Cosmetic procedures such as tattooing and body piercing can spread hepatitis B since they use needles which may acquire blood with the virus.
Household contacts of people who have hepatitis B virus infection are at risk for the acquisition of this medical condition. Also, pregnant women can transmit the infection to the fetus. Hence, pregnant women require a routine screen for hepatitis B surface antigen. If the mother’s hepatitis B surface antigen status is not known or if she is positive when birth occurs, then the baby should undergo immunoprophylaxis.
Adults with High Risk
The recommendation is to routinely immunize infants for hepatitis A and B. Children and adolescents who have not received the hepatitis B vaccine should take it. Adults who have high risk for the disease tend not to take the hepatitis B vaccine, whereas infants, children, and adolescents are likely to receive it. This leaves men who have sex with men, injection drug users, and heterosexual adults who have multiple sexual partners with the greatest risk for the disease.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control. (2011). Viral hepatitis. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2009). What I need to know about hepatitis B. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact their physician for advice.
Michael Koger - Dr. Koger obtained his medical education at Meharry Medical College and specialized in Internal Medicine.
Join the Conversation