Hepatitis B immune globulin

Abstract

Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is a purified solution of human immunoglobulin that has high titers of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs). It is derived from plasma donated by individuals immune to hepatitis B viral infection. HBIG is widely administered to confer passive prophylactic immunity against the hepatitis B virus because of the ability of anti-HBs to neutralize hepatitis B virions. However, it is not indicated for the treatment of acute or chronic hepatitis B. The use of HBIG is recommended in the following clinical situations: i) Acute exposure to blood and secretions containing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); ii) sexual contact with HBsAg-positive persons; iii) household exposure to persons with acute hepatitis B; iv) perinatal exposure of infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers; v) liver transplantation.