Viral Hepatitis

This report discusses the hepatitis C virus (HCV), how it is treated, and how it can be prevented. The report examines the epidemiology of HCV. It discusses the screening tests, history, general treatment, and postexposure prophylaxis for HCV. The report explains the ways that HCV can be transmitted from person to person and how the virus can be spread through bodily fluid. It identifies the most serious high risk behaviors such as injection drug use and certain sexual practices. The report cites the risks associated with health care work.

This report updates CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP) 1996 recommendations on the prevention of hepatitis A through immunization (MMWR 1996;45[RR-15].) and includes (1) new data about the epidemiology of hepatitis A; (2) recent findings about the effectiveness of community-based hepatitis A vaccination programs; and (3) recommendations for the routine vaccination of children in states, counties, and communities with rates that are twice the 1987-1997 national average or greater and consideration of routine vaccination of children in states, counties, and communities wi

This report updates previous US Public Health Service recommendations for the management of health-care personnel (HCP) who have occupational exposure to blood and other body fluids that may contain Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV/AIDS. It contains recommendations for Hepatitis B Virus postexposure management including initiation of hepatitis B vaccine series to any susceptible, unvaccinated person who sustains blood or body fluid exposure. Guidance is provided to clinicians and exposed HCP for selecting the appropriate HBV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).

This report presents guidelines for identifying persons with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It recommends that testing for anti-HCV should include the use of an antibody screening assay, and for screening test-positive results, a more specific supplemental assay. The guidelines expand recommendations for anti-HCV testing to include an option for reflex supplemental testing, based on screening-test-positive signal-to-cut-off ratios.

This report consolidates previous recommendations and adds new ones for preventing and controlling infections with hepatitis viruses among inmates and workers in correctional facilities. The recommendations provide guidelines for juvenile and adult correctional systems regarding (1) identification and investigation of acute viral hepatitis, (2) pre-exposure and postexposure immunization for hepatitis A and B, (3) prevention of hepatitis C virus infection and its consequences, (4) health education, and (5) release planning.

This report reviews guidelines and strategies for preventing environment-associated infections in health-care facilities. It presents recommendations, including evidence-based recommendation supported by studies; requirements of federal agencies; guidelines and standards from building and equipment professional organizations; recommendations from scientific theory or rationale; and experienced opinions based upon infection-control and engineering practices. The report also suggests a series of performance measurements as a way of evaluating infection-control efforts.

This monograph is a manual that provides guidance to clinicians, state and local health departments, and other health agencies on case ascertainment, reporting, investigation, and follow-up of persons with acute viral hepatitis. It presents a framework for the development of systems for identifying and following up persons who may have chronic hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) virus infections. The guidelines describe the elements needed and best practices for conducting surveillance for viral hepatitis. A copy of the case report sheet and patient history sheets are included.

This pamphlet explains basic facts about cirrhosis, which is a disease of the liver. It can help patients understand the causes and treatments of cirrhosis. The pamphlet answers patients' questions about common complications of cirrhosis and provides information on how to deal with these complications. It also provides practical tips on how to keep a patient's liver as healthy as possible, including things to do and things to avoid.

This report presents updated recommendations made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for prevention of hepatitis after exposure to hepatitis A virus (HAV) and for departing international travelers. The recommendations incorporate existing ACIP recommendations for hepatitis A prevention.

This serial updates and expands previous CDC guidelines for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing, and includes new recommendations for public health evaluation and management for chronically infected persons and their contacts. Routine testing for HBsAg now is recommended in additional populations with HBsAg prevalence of greater than or equal to 2%: persons born in geographic regions with HBsAg prevalence of greater than or equal to 2%, men who have sex with men, and injection-drug users.