image by: Hepatitis B Foundation

Featured

  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.

Previously Featured

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.

Resources

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.