摘要
Although a vaccine against hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been available since 1982,the prevalence of adults with chronic HBV infection in sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia is still estimated at 5-10%.A high rate of chronic infections is also found in the Amazon and the southern parts of eastern and central Europe.In the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent,the prevalence is 2-5%.Less than 1% of the population of Western Europe and North America is chronically infected.Given the high prevalence of infections (such as hepatitis) among inmates,prison is considered a reservoir for facilitating such infections.Based on these premises,this current review examines and discusses emerging trends in the epidemiology of HBV infection,with particular attention to HBV infection in prison.The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence in prisoners in west and central Africa is very high (23.5%).The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has highlighted the importance of HBV blood screening and subsequent anti-HBV vaccination in the prison population.The vaccination was recommended for all inmates,representing an opportunity to prevent HBV infection in a high-risk population.In these subjects,an accelerated hepatitis B immunisation schedule may result in rapid seroconversion for early short-term protection.Therefore,it is necessary to seek collaboration among public health officials,clinicians and correctional authorities to implement a vaccination programme.
Although a vaccine against hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been available since 1982,the prevalence of adults with chronic HBV infection in sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia is still estimated at 5-10%.A high rate of chronic infections is also found in the Amazon and the southern parts of eastern and central Europe.In the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent,the prevalence is 2-5%.Less than 1% of the population of Western Europe and North America is chronically infected.Given the high prevalence of infections (such as hepatitis) among inmates,prison is considered a reservoir for facilitating such infections.Based on these premises,this current review examines and discusses emerging trends in the epidemiology of HBV infection,with particular attention to HBV infection in prison.The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence in prisoners in west and central Africa is very high (23.5%).The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has highlighted the importance of HBV blood screening and subsequent anti-HBV vaccination in the prison population.The vaccination was recommended for all inmates,representing an opportunity to prevent HBV infection in a high-risk population.In these subjects,an accelerated hepatitis B immunisation schedule may result in rapid seroconversion for early short-term protection.Therefore,it is necessary to seek collaboration among public health officials,clinicians and correctional authorities to implement a vaccination programme.
