Beginning of Essay
Risk Factors for HBV Infection Although relatively rare in the United States, is endemic in parts of Asia where hundreds of millions of individuals may be infected. HBV is transmitted horizontally by blood and blood products and sexual transmission. It is also tr ....

Middle of Essay
.... at risk for infection should be vaccinated. Post-exposure prophylaxis with immune globulin is also effective for non-immune individuals after a known exposure (e. g. needle stick). Consequences of HBV Infection HBV causes acute and chronic hepatitis. The chances of becoming chronically infected depends upon age. About 90% of infected neonates and 50% of infected young children will become chronically infected. In contrast, only about 5% to 10% of immunocompetent adults infected with HBV develop chronic hepatitis B. In some individuals who become chronically infected, especially neonates and children, the acute infection will not be cl ....