Abstract

MAYCA P, Julio  and  VALLEJOS R, Raúl. Hepatitis B en el Perú: Revisión 1970-2002. Rev. perú. med. exp. salud publica [online]. 2004, vol.21, n.4, pp.261-268. ISSN 1726-4634.

Hepatitis B infection is a worldwide public health problem. Since Peru is located in an intermediate endemic area, this condition is relevant. The purpose of this article is to show the history of research performed regarding this illness. 60 references (1970-2002) were reviewed, and we found that there was no time sequence with respect to investigations on hepatitis B prevalence, and also, different markers were used. Results with respect to the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) varied according to the different regions in Peru, such as the coast (0-4,8%), highlands (13,8-16%), and the jungle (3-17,1%), and no overall surveys have been carried out. With respect to studies performed in high-risk groups, some outbreaks have been identified in military detachments in the jungle, and HbsAg was found in up to 43,2% within this group. In female sex workers, studies showed marker prevalence between 51,5% to 89,3%. In health personnel, HbsAg has been reported with a 0 to 7,8% prevalence, and blood banks, nephrology, dentistry and gastroenterology reported most cases. Research regarding serological response to vaccines started in 1987 in native jungle communities; and thereafter a pilot program supported by WHO/PAHO was started in Abancay (a city in the Peruvian highlands). Since 1996, Peruvian Ministry of Health established mandatory immunization to children less than one year old in high and average endemic areas, and since 2003 immunization against hepatitis B virus infection was established for this age group in the whole country. It is concluded that in spite of the advances in hepatitis.

Keywords : Hepatitis B/epidemiology; transmission; prevention & control; Peru.

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