[Active and passive immunization against acute viral hepatitis]
OBJECTIVE: The authors present the main indications related to the use of passive and active immunization against acute viral hepatitis, specially the composition, characteristics and current aspects of hepatitis A vaccination. Measures for hepatitis B prevention are also discussed. METHODS: The most recent and relevant articles published about the subject were selected and the special aspects of the immunological response, through different pediatric ages, are shown. RESULTS: The text analyzes the general measures for prevention of hepatitis A using the two inactivated vaccines, and also summarizes the indications and composition of the hepatitis B vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: Literature provides the guidelines for active and passive immunization against viral hepatitis and the present review is an update in the subject.
Freire
H B
HB
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Freire
L M
LM