Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem
worldwide. HBV, a member of the hepadnaviridae family, is a
small DNA replicates through an RNA intermediate and can
integrate into the host genome. It is transmitted through contact
with infected blood and semen. HBV infection leads to a wide
spectrum of liver disease ranging from acute - fulminant hepatic
failure to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Infants and children are more likely to develop a chronic
hepatitis B infection, while most adults infected with the virus
recover even if their signs and symptoms are severe, but 5%-
10% are unable to clear the virus and become chronically
infected. Screening for HBV infection could identify chronically
infected persons who may benefit from treatment or other interventions,
such as surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma. Most
people diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B infection need treatment
for the rest of their lives. The primary treatment goals
for patients with HBV infection are to prevent progression of the
disease to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Moreover, prevents infection from passing to others. Treatment
for chronic hepatitis B may include several antiviral medications
such as, entecavir, tenofovir, lamivudine, adefovir and telbivudine.
These drugs can help fight the virus and slow its ability to
damage your liver. WHO recommends that all infants receive the
hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after birth, preferably
within 24 hours?