title: Viral hepatitis--a primer. 2. Prevention and control.
abstract: The clinical differentiation of hepatitis A from hepatitis B is often impossible, and only a finding of hepatitis B surface antigen in blood allows the presence of hepatitis B to be definitely diagnosed. Heaptitis A is most easily contracted via the fecal-oral route, while hepatitis B is usually transmitted percutaneously, especially by inoculation with contaminated instruments. Because viral hepatitis has a long incubation period, controlling its spread is difficult. Prevention and control have traditionally depended on general public health measures, and for hepatitis A, passive immunization with immune serum globulin. Promising research is now being conducted to develop vaccines for both active and passive immunization against hepatitis B.
mesh_terms: D004203:Disinfection; D006266:Health Education; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D012712:Serum Globulins / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D012712:Serum Globulins