Epidemiology of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the Asia-Pacific Region

There is a wide variation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the Asia-Pacific region. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection is lowest (<1%) in North America, Australia and New Zealand, 2-4% in Japan, 5-18% in China and highest (15-20%) in Taiwan as well as several other countries in South East Asia. Perinatal transmission is common in HBV-hyperendemic areas. Geographical clusters of horizontal HBV infection have been reported in both high- and low-risk countries. Common sources of infection, including iatrogenic and sexual transmission, have been implicated. Migrant studies indicate the importance of childhood environments in the determination of HBV infection. Rural urban and ethnic differences in the prevalence of HBV infection have also been reported. There has been a decrease in the prevalence of HBV infection after mass HBV vaccination programmes in some Asia-Pacific countries, which may be due to the intervention of possible transmission routes through the use of disposable syringes and needles, screening of HBV infection markers in blood banks, and prevention of high-risk tattooing, acupuncture, ear-piercing and sexual contact. A striking decrease in the incidence of HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma has been observed among children in Taiwan and other areas where mass vaccination programmes have been implemented.