Hepatitis B virus is a highly infectious DNA virus, and the chronic carrier status may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. These conditions may supervene in a short time period if there is coexistence of both hepatitis B and D viruses, as it usually occurs in Peru. Our country has an intermediate endemicity, although there are areas with high, medium and low endemicity; however, migration is spreading these infections. It is important to point out that there is horizontal transmission in children from endemic areas and a low level of vertical transmission, which is an advantage in order to achieve early protection using the hepatitis B vaccine. This vaccine HBV is efficacious and safe, and vaccination is still one of the most cost-effective interventions. Pilot hepatitis B vaccination programs have been implemented in Peru, achieving a significant impact on the infection rates; so it is ...

Hepatitis B virus is a highly infectious DNA virus, and the chronic carrier status may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. These conditions may supervene in a short time period if there is coexistence of both hepatitis B and D viruses, as it usually occurs in Peru. Our country has an intermediate endemicity, although there are areas with high, medium and low endemicity; however, migration is spreading these infections. It is important to point out that there is horizontal transmission in children from endemic areas and a low level of vertical transmission, which is an advantage in order to achieve early protection using the hepatitis B vaccine. This vaccine HBV is efficacious and safe, and vaccination is still one of the most cost-effective interventions. Pilot hepatitis B vaccination programs have been implemented in Peru, achieving a significant impact on the infection rates; so it is ...