Problems of protection against virus B hepatitis

Abstract

Various methods have been employed to reduce hepatitis B infections among patients and staff at high risk. Routine screening tests of all blood donors for hepatitis B surface antigen has reduced post-transfusion hepatitis B. After a control and prevention programme was instituted hepatitis B cross-infection was eliminated from haemodialysis units in Britain. Prophylaxis with specific immunoglobulin reduced attack rates of clinical hepatitis B, after accidental inoculation with infective material, to about 2%. Endemic hepatitis B in hospitals for the mentally subnormal remains a problem.