Prevention and Management of Hepatitis B in Healthcare Professionals

Purpose of Review: To review the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission in the healthcare setting and outline best practices in the prevention and management of chronic HBV in healthcare professionals. Recent Findings: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global public health burden and chronically infects an estimated 257 million persons worldwide. HBV represents one of the most important occupational risks for healthcare workers (HCWs) due to efficient transmission through percutaneous exposure of HBV-infected blood and blood-contaminated body fluids. Although the incidence of HCW-patient transmission of HBV has decreased significantly since 2000, ongoing deficits in HCW testing, vaccination, and confirmation of immunity, as well as post-exposure management protocols, raise concern for ongoing risk for nosocomial exposure. Summary: Established recommendations of the AASLD, CDC, and SHEA provide guidance to clinicians on the prevention and management of chronic HBV in healthcare professionals. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2019.