Year 2013 / Volume 105 / Number 5
Editorial
Prevalence of hepatitis B and C in Spain : further data are needed

pp. 245-248

José Antonio Muñoz-Gámez y Javier Salmerón

Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses is a public health issue worldwide. The prevalence of HBV infection reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its last update of July 2013 is 2 billion, of which over 240 million people (5% of the general population) have chronic hepatitis (1). Overall HCV prevalence is lower, with estimates around 150 to 170 million people (3% of the general population) and an annual incidence of up to 3-4 million new cases (2). Furthermore,WHO reported that the number of dea ths associated with liver cirrhosis, liver-cell carcinoma, and liver failure is higher than 600,000 yearly for HBV and over 350,000 yearly for HCV (1-3). Primary transmission routes for both viruses include: a) blood transfusion (before 1992 for HCV); b) parenteral or non-parenteral drug use; c) tattoos and piercings performed with inadequate hygiene conditions; d) perinatal transmission (particularly for HBV in countries with no adequate prophylaxis); e) sexual transmission (less common for HCV); and f) nosocomial transmission.
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José Antonio Muñoz-Gámez y Javier Salmerón. Prevalence of hepatitis B and C in Spain : further data are needed. 245-248


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The Spanish Journal of Gastroenterology is the official organ of the Sociedad Española de Patología Digestiva, the Sociedad Española de Endoscopia Digestiva and the Asociación Española de Ecografía Digestiva
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