Hepatitis B virus in Egypt: the whole story

Abstract Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global public health threat with variable geographical distribution. Chronic infection with HBV could be complicated by chronic hepatitis state, progression to liver cirrhosis, and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For years, the magnitude of HBV problem in Egypt was masked by the great prevalence of hepatitis C virus in the country. The exact epidemiological data regarding HBV in Egypt are defective. The prevalence rate of HBV in Egypt has declined after the universal immunization program introduced for infants in 1992. This review addresses the whole story of HBV in Egypt: the epidemiology, risk factors, vaccination programs, and treatment efforts.