Acute hepatitis B in the era of immunisation: pitfalls in the identification of high risk patients.
BACKGROUND
Since the adoption of a universal hepatitis B immunisation strategy, the reported incidence of acute hepatitis B has declined dramatically worldwide including in Israel. However, new cases of acute hepatitis B still occur. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of acute hepatitis B in a referral area, routes of transmission, and outcome.


METHODS
The charts of all new hepatitis B patients, who visited the clinic in the years 2002 and 2003 (January 2002 to December 2003), were reviewed. The main criteria for a diagnosis of acute hepatitis B were transient increase of alanine transaminase activity, and hepatitis B surface antigen seroconversion.


RESULTS
Twenty nine men and seven women were diagnosed with acute hepatitis B infection during the study period. Two patients were previously vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine. One case of hepatitis D coinfection was reported. The incidence of acute hepatitis B in the referral area was estimated as 2.25 per 100,000 adult population. Mean age was 36 years (17-75). Twenty one patients (18 men and 3 women) acquired the virus through unprotected sexual contact, and seven patients through iatrogenic exposure. Thirty three patients underwent spontaneous seroconversion while three patients became chronic carriers.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite a universal immunisation policy, frequent cases of acute hepatitis B in Israel are still seen. High risk heterosexual activity and iatrogenic exposure seem to be the commonest routes of transmission. Further recommendations regarding vaccination policy are discussed.
Rosner
G
G
Liver Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Lurie
Y
Y
Blendis
L
L
Halpern
Z
Z
Oren
R
R
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D017589:Immunization Programs; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines