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Abstract
This article reviews the prevalence, disease burden, genotype distribution, and transmission
patterns of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus in the 6 World Health Organization
regions. The global epidemiology of hepatitis B and C demonstrates a predominantly
declining prevalence of the diseases. Improvement in the control of hepatitis B has
been largely achieved with implementation of a more universal HBV vaccine program,
although a large gap still remains in the effort toward global prevention of hepatitis
B. The transmission of hepatitis C has been greatly impacted by mandatory screening
of blood donors in most countries in the world, although intravenous drug use continues
to be a major source of infection. Public education regarding the risks of exposure
to infected paraphernalia as well as household items such as razors is necessary in
the continuing effort to curb this disease.
(c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.