[Prevention of hepatitis B and C]

Preventive measures are determined by epidemiological characteristics of HBV and HCV infections. A significant difference between these two infections is in the availability of effective vaccine for hepatitis B. Vaccine against hepatitis C is not available. The vaccination program for hepatitis B in Croatia was initiated in 1994, at first only for high risk groups. The vaccination program for children in the 6th grade of primary school started in 1999. Besides that, all pregnant women are obliged to undergo HBV testing. HBV infection is very rare but not unknown in early childhood. HBV infection in early childhood, most commonly asymptomatic, results in very high prevalence of chronic infection and carries a high risk of late serious consequences of the HBV infection. Since the main aim of vaccination is to prevent serious chronic liver disease, it is very important to protect the youngest children. The prevention of hepatitis C consists of primary prevention, mostly eliminating the risks of the presence and spread of infection. It is recommended to follow instructions regarding prevention of transmission by skin and mucosal contact with blood and body fluids, especially in health institutions and during hemodialysis. Providing due education to high risk persons (i.v. addicts, persons with more than one sexual partner, patients and workers who come in contact with blood and other body fluids) is very important. Early identification of infected persons enables timely treatment. It is not recommended to screen general population but only persons at high risk identified by medical history and other relevant medical information.