Control of hepatitis B in the United Kingdom.

Control of hepatitis B in the UK is based upon selective vaccination of persons in high-risk groups. To assess the likely cost-effectiveness of changes to this policy, information on the current burden of HBV infection in the UK is required. Laboratory reports of acute hepatitis B suggest that the vast majority of new hepatitis B infections acquired in the UK occur in adults, even after adjustment for unapparent infection. In childhood, perinatal transmission remains the most significant known risk factor. Universal antenatal screening has the potential to prevent perinatal infections in UK births and a substantial proportion of those UK acquired infections which lead to carriage. In addition, to antenatal screening, universal infant vaccination (at 2, 3 and 4 months) can, in the short term, only prevent the small number of infections acquired in childhood. Economic analysis using current surveillance data is required to assess the possible cost-benefit of universal vaccination. Regardless of this, there is an urgent need to improve selective vaccination and to ensure that a high proportion of antenatal carriers is identified.