IMMUNE GLOBULIN AND VACCINE THERAPY TO PREVENT HEPATITIS-A INFECTION

The hepatitis A virus is usually transmitted person-to-person due to f ecal-oral exchange of virus. Approximately 30,000 infections are repor ted each year in the United States, with the actual incidence being mu ch greater. Prophylaxis with immune globulin has had a minimal impact on the overall incidence of hepatitis A. The recent availability and p roven efficacy of a hepatitis A vaccine offers the hope that the incid ence of infection may be substantially reduced. Pre- and postexposure prophylaxis should be targeted to individuals at increased risk of eit her acquiring infection, transmitting infection, or developing fulmina nt hepatitis, or to help control epidemics. This article reviews the c urrent literature and discusses recommendations for pre- and postexpos ure prophylaxis against hepatitis A virus. (C) 1998 by Excerpta Medica , Inc.