POSTEXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS

The timely facilitation of immunologic (immunoglobulin or vaccine) or antimicrobial prophylaxis is used in individuals who ha ve been expose d to certain infectious diseases. Such methodology has been shown to b e helpful in infections such as viral hepatitis types A and B, measles , varicella, rabies, and tuberculosis. The data supporting such use in rubella and mumps are not strong and information is still needed in h epatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus, and Lyme borreliosis. This a rticle reviews postexposure prophylaxis in these situations. Preventiv e strategies for meningococcal disease, group A streptococcus, tetanus , diphtheria, and pertussis are discussed elsewhere in this issue.