Hepatitis A historical perspective
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
The hepatitis A virus was first identified in 1973. With the FDA approval of the vaccine, during 1995-1996, hepatitis A became a disease that was not only common, but also vaccine-preventable. Today, transmission through blood is rare but there are still groups at risk of being infected from this route, such as the IV drug users and their care takers.
Historical Perspective
Hepatitis A virus was first identified in 1973. It was classified as a separate disease from other types of hepatitis during World War II. However, its true prevalence and route of transmission would only be recognized later.[1]
The incidence of hepatitis A varies among eras, countries and even cities within the same country. In recent years it has been noted a shift in prevalence, what was once a disease more prevalent in children, is today predominant in adults.
The resistance of the virus allows it to survive in urban sewage. Accordingly, outbreaks of the disease occur in overcrowded areas where there is poor sanitation. Improvements made throughout the years have decreased the incidence of the infection in new infants, which has led to an increasing number of adults with hepatitis A. Hepatitis A epidemiology in the United States has changed with licensure of hepatitis A vaccine and implementation of national ACIP recommendations for its use.
During 1995-1996, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the inactivated hepatitis A vaccines. Consequently, hepatitis A became a disease that was not only common but also vaccine-preventable.
Today transmission of the virus through blood is rare, however, some risk groups such as IV drug users and their care takers are still infected by this route.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Melnick JL (1995). "History and epidemiology of hepatitis A virus". J Infect Dis. 171 Suppl 1: S2–8. PMID [ 7876643 [ Check
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