The trends and risk factors for hepatitis B occurrence in Estonia

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is prevalent worldwide and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. This article describes the trend in HBV occurrence in Estonia from 1990 to 2005 in Estonia, with the aim of highlighting key determinants in transmission dynamics, risk groups, and possible implications for prevention and control. A marked increase in reported numbers of new HBV cases occurred in mid 1990s (reaching 39 per 100,000 population) and decline thereafter. We present data on HBV prevalence from different population groups (persons with verified sexually transmitted infection, prisoners, medical personnel, blood donors and injection drug users). Special vaccination programmes introduced in Estonia have been successful in the prevention of HBV, however, we suggest that the main risk groups such as injection drug users (IDUs), men having sex with men (MSM) and HIV infected persons should be actively encompassed into HBV vaccination programme.