Asian perspectives on viral hepatitis A.

Recent decades have witnessed a marked decline in the prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in Asian populations, especially in children. This is attributable to general improvements in socio-economic status and hygiene, which have, in turn, made a large population of young adults susceptible to the disease. The HAV infection rarely results in death and mortality is age-dependent. According to previous reports, it may be more severe in persons with underlying chronic liver disease (CLD). Because most parts of Asia are areas of endemic hepatitis B and C virus infection, where chronic hepatitis B and C are the most important causes of CLD, it is therefore imperative for patients with CLD to be protected against HAV infection. Several studies have been conducted into the success of immunization against HAV in different risk groups. Given the increasing potential for HAV epidemics and the success and safety of the HAV vaccines, mass immunization against the infection seems possible and rational in Asia.