Characteristics of persons with chronic hepatitis B--San Francisco, California, 2006.

Chronic hepatitis B is the most common cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer worldwide. Approximately 45% of the world's population lives in regions where chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is endemic, including most of Asia and the Pacific Islands, Africa, and the Middle East. Nearly one fourth of the population of San Francisco was born in Asia and the Pacific Islands. In 2006, the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) received reports consistent with probable chronic HBV infection for 2,238 persons. To characterize persons with reported confirmed chronic HBV infection in San Francisco in 2006, SFDPH collected additional data on a subset of 567 cases reported to the SFDPH chronic hepatitis B registry. Eighty-four percent of the persons were Asians/Pacific Islanders (A/PIs), 80% of whom were foreign born. Fewer than half had been referred to a gastroenterologist/hepatologist for evaluation at the time of reporting. Persons with chronic HBV infection can benefit from medical care by providers with expertise in viral hepatitis. In addition, close contacts of infected persons should be screened and offered vaccination if found to be susceptible to HBV infection. Culturally appropriate counseling for and follow-up of persons with chronic HBV infection and their contacts could help reduce the transmission of HBV infection.