EPIDEMIOLOGIJA, IMUNIZACIJA I SEROPROFILAKSA VIRUSNIH HEPATITISA B I C U DJECE.

Viral hepatitis B and C are a global public health problem with high morbidity and mortality rates. Knowing the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis B and C is of great importance in the implementation of public health measures and achieving the goal of their elimination. It is estimated that in Croatia approximately 40.000 people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus and 24.000 with hepatitis B. In children and adolescents, the prevalence of hepatitis B and C is low (0.01% HBsAg and 0.5% HCV prevalence). Hepatitis B and C transmission from mother to child is possible by vertical transmission (more frequent in case of hepatitis B). Since 1999, the Republic of Croatia has instituted an obligatory screening of pregnant women for the presence of HBsAg with the purpose of detecting virus carrier and timely post-exposure protection of new-borns. HBV prevention measures include pre-exposure vaccination as well as post-exposure protection. Mandatory Vaccination against HBV in Croatia started in 1999 for the preadolescent age, and in the 2007 immunization was transferred to the new-born age. Since 2015, vaccination is carried out at the infant age (combined vaccine). This resulted in the lower incidence and prevalence of hepatitis B in the general population. The hepatitis C vaccine does not exist, but early treatment of the infected with new medication is very effective. Post-exposure protection is needed in cases of possible exposure by children and adolescents to blood borne viruses. Exposure is possible in healthcare facilities due to irregularities in medical or dental interventions or during outdoor play (discarded medical needles). The Republic of Croatia is continuously improving the system and quality of epidemiological monitoring of viral hepatitis according to international, national and professional guidelines in order to improve national response to HBV and HCV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]