Article Content

Under new CDC guidelines, routine screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) is now recommended for people born in Asia, Africa, and other regions with 2% or higher prevalence of chronic HBV infections, men who have sex with men, injection drug users, patients on immunosuppressive therapy, and anyone with unexplained abnormal liver function tests. Patients with chronic HBV infections should see a specialist for ongoing monitoring and care. Healthcare providers are also asked to provide culturally sensitive, ongoing patient education; lifelong monitoring for progression of liver disease; and education to protect close contacts of patients with HBV infection. For more information about chronic HBV infection, visit http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/.