Viral hepatitis B and delta in Perú: epidemiology and basis for control

Abstract

Peru is catalogued as a middle-endemic country for hepatitis B infection (HVB), however, this disease is spreading in the country, by intense migration of highly endemic to low endemic areas. In addition to the classical mechanisms of transmission as the parenteral and sexually, it should be noted the horizontal transmission among children especially in hiperendemic areas and limited occurrence of vertical transmission. Since there is a safe and effective vaccine against HBV, the Peruvian Ministry of Health has developed a pilot vaccination programs in the country, after which has been widespread immunization to children first and then in endemic areas throughout the country, according the priority and availability of vaccines. Given the spread of infection, and to achieve an effective control of the problem in susceptible people, in less time is needed against HBV immunization of adolescents, young people and risk groups, that intervention is one of the most cost-effective public health, is needed in the medium and long term the evaluation of its real impact. These issues were development in this review.