A recent article published in The Ulster Medical Journal reported that 887 000 people are killed by hepatitis B every year. This virus has been infecting humans and other hominidae and simian species for at least the last 7,000 years. Presently, hepatitis B infects 257 million people worldwide.

Authorities have confirmed that Northern Ireland is a very low prevalence country for hepatitis B. In addition, progress has been made in vaccination of healthcare workers as well as mothers and their offspring, in this region. However, recent reports indicate a higher than expected rate of progression from acute to chronic hepatitis B among individuals aged 50 and above, in Northern Ireland. In fact, patients co-infected with HIV exhibit hepatitis B chronicity rates, about six times higher than hepatitis B patients who are HIV seronegative.

The overall aging population has been implicated for higher hepatitis B chronicity rates. Hence, the importance of vaccination and provision of accurate information to patients was emphasized upon.

Source: Hedley-Whyte J, Milamed DR. Hepatitis B: Prevalence, Hope. Ulster Med J. 2019;88(2):118–123.