Sexual Transmission of Hepatitis B virus: Epidemiological Considerations and Implications for Control with Vaccine
Prior to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, more than 50% of the new hepatitis B virus infections in the United States and Canada were sexually transmitted, approximately one-quarter by heterosexual men and women and one-third by homosexual men. The percentage of hepatitis B vi...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
1991-01-01
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| Series: | Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/1991/836192 |
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| Summary: | Prior to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, more than 50% of the new hepatitis
B virus infections in the United States and Canada were sexually transmitted, approximately
one-quarter by heterosexual men and women and one-third by homosexual men. The percentage
of hepatitis B virus infections attributable to heterosexual transmission in developing and
developed countries of Asia is unknown, but is probably proportionate to the percentage of the
population which escapes perinatal and early childhood infection. In homosexual men of
developed countries, fear of AIDS has led to dramatic reductions in high risk sexual behaviour
and hence in the incidence of hepatitis B virus infection. Specific interventions designed to
prevent sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (eg. testing for infection status
and counselling, choosing partners carefully, avoiding prostitutes, use of condoms, and
diagnostic and treatment services for other sexually transmitted diseases) should further
reduce hepatitis B virus sexual transmission in men and women. Eventually, however,
hepatitis B virus vaccination programs will need to be considered for all countries. They should
take into account regional epidemiology, vaccination cost-benefit, and program goals such as
prevention of perinatal infection, sexually transmitted acute hepatitis, and/or cirrhosis and
hepatic cancer, as well as containment versus eradication of the virus. If eradication is the
goal, the only valid strategy is universal vaccination of infants or young adolescents - or both. |
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| ISSN: | 1180-2332 |