HBV Exposure
There is no such thing as accident; it is fate misnamed - Napoleon Bonaparte
image by: Hepatitis B Foundation
Resources
CDC
After exposure to Hepatitis B virus (HBV), appropriate and timely prophylaxis can prevent HBV infection and subsequent development of chronic infection or liver disease. The mainstay of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is Hepatitis B vaccine, but, in certain circumstances, Hepatitis B immune globulin is recommended in addition to vaccine for added protection.
Clinical Consultation Center
We strongly encourage source person testing for Hepatitis B surface antigen. If source person is known to be hepatitis B uninfected, no hepatitis B testing or post-exposure treatment of the exposed person is needed. If exposed person is known to be immune (e.g., they were told they had a positive response to a complete HBV vaccine series, indicated by post-vaccination HBsAb titer ≥10 mIU/mL), they are considered to have lifelong immunity and need no hepatitis B testing or post-exposure treatment.
Case study: occupational exposure to Hepatitis B
This article describes the case of Serena, a 58-year-old surgeon infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is a major public health concern. Worldwide, an estimated 240 million people have a chronic HBV infection, with about 780,000 people dying annually from complications (World Health Organisation (WHO), 2015).
Hepatitis B virus transmission and health care workers: Epidemiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis
The highest share of exposure to contaminated sharps is shared by the HCWs of the developing countries where approximately 40–60% of the occupational Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections arise due to the sharp injuries
What to Do If Your Child Is Exposed to Hepatitis B
It is also possible to get hepatitis B from exposure from an infected family member or caretaker, or much more rarely, in a daycare or school setting. So what do you do if your child is exposed to hepatitis B? It depends.
Ask DIS
A responder is a person with adequate levels of serum antibody to HBsAg (i.e. anti-HBs U/mL).
FP Notebook
Extensive resource for professionals.
SA Health
If you, or someone you know, may have been exposed to hepatitis B through unsafe sex, sharing drug injecting equipment, needle stick injury or other exposure, hepatitis B PEP may prevent hepatitis B.
Introducing Stitches!
Your Path to Meaningful Connections in the World of Health and Medicine
Connect, Collaborate, and Engage!
Coming Soon - Stitches, the innovative chat app from the creators of HWN. Join meaningful conversations on health and medical topics. Share text, images, and videos seamlessly. Connect directly within HWN's topic pages and articles.