title: Passive immunization for hepatitis B.
abstract: Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of gamma globulin in preventing type B hepatitis. These investigations have evaluated the effectivenesses of standard immunoglobulin (IG) and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) in pre-exposure and postexposure settings. The current data suggest that HBIG and standard IG containing some antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen may be effective for pre- and postexposure prophylaxis of hepatitis B. It is recommended that HBIG be used for the postexposure prophylaxis of individuals sustaining accidental needle-stick or mucosal exposure to blood known to contain hepatitis B surface antigen. If HBIG is unavailable, then standard IG may be beneficial. While pre-exposure prophylaxis with gamma globulin may be effective, there are appropriate environmental control methods available that may significantly reduce the transmission of hepatitis B, and these should be fully implemented.
mesh_terms: D000906:Antibodies / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003815:Dentists; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive / Q000379:methods*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies