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Hepatitis B infection has been preventable by vaccination since 1982. [4] [12] As of 2022, the hepatitis B vaccine is between 98% and 100% effective in preventing infection. [1] The vaccine is administered in several doses; after an initial dose, two or three more vaccine doses are required at a later time for full effect. [1]
It was discovered to be part of the virus that caused serum hepatitis by virologist Alfred Prince in 1968. Heptavax, a "first-generation" hepatitis B vaccine in the 1980s, was made from HBsAg extracted from the blood plasma of hepatitis patients. More modern vaccines are made from recombinant HBsAg grown in yeast.
HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) was the first hepatitis B virus protein to be discovered. [15] It consists of small (S), medium (M) and large (L) protein. [16] HBcAg (hepatitis B core antigen) is the main structural protein of HBV icosahedral nucleocapsid and it has function in replication of the virus. [17]
A precore mutant is a variety of hepatitis B virus that does not produce hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg). [1] These mutants are important because infections caused by these viruses are difficult to treat, [2] and can cause infections of prolonged duration and with a higher risk of liver cirrhosis. [3]
The presence of surface antibody (anti-HBs) indicates an individual with immunity to hepatitis B, whether due to previously resolved infection or due to hepatitis B vaccination. [65] For example, an individual who has never had any exposure to HBV, either by vaccine or by infection, would test negative for the entire serology panel.
Hepatitis D is a defective virus that requires hepatitis B to replicate and is only found with hepatitis B co-infection. [17] In adults, hepatitis B infection is most commonly self-limiting, with less than 5% progressing to chronic state, and 20 to 30% of those chronically infected developing cirrhosis or liver cancer. [ 31 ]
Hepatitis B vaccine is a vaccine that prevents hepatitis B. [13] The first dose is recommended within 24 hours of birth with either two or three more doses given ...
HBIG is indicated as a postexposure prophylaxis for people at risk to develop hepatitis B because they have been recently exposed to body fluids of individuals who have hepatitis B. This includes babies of mothers with hepatitis B, sexual partners, healthcare workers, police and fire workers, and morticians. [6]