Hepatitis B surface Ag

Hepatitis B infection affects an estimated 350 million people and accounts for 1 million deaths worldwide. Infection, particularly if acquired in infancy can remain lifelong and lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis B can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth (commonest route in high prevalence areas), through sexual contact or through injecting drug use. The risk of having chronic infection mostly reflects the prevalence in a persons country of birth. Ante-natal screening and vaccination of at risk infants has been incredibly effective at reducing transmission of hepatitis B. Proper clinical monitoring and treatment where appropriate can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications of Hepatitis B.