The authors state they have no conflicts of interest to declare. “
“Persons born in countries with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence ≥2% have increased risk for unrecognized hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Testing at pre-travel consultations is a strategy to identify previously undiagnosed HBV infections. Using records of travelers seen at the Boston Area Travel Medicine Network (BATMN) click here sites, we assessed how these travel clinics currently assess HBV status, describe test results, and describe characteristics of those tested and immunized for HBV. Demographic data and trip information

were collected for all travelers seen at the BATMN sites from June 2008 through July 2010. Proportions of those tested for HBV were determined, and differences between those tested and not tested were analyzed. Among 13,732 travelers enrolled during the study period, 2,134 (16%) were born in HBV-risk countries (HBsAg prevalence ≥2%); 532/2134 (25%) ERK inhibitor had previous HBV test results and 230 (11%) had tests performed at the travel clinic visit. Past results showed that 33/453 (7.3%) were HBV-infected (HBsAg+), 252/481 (52.4%) were immune (anti-HBs+, HBsAg–), 164/303 (54.1%) were susceptible (anti-HBs–, HBsAg–, anti-HBc–), and 38/314 (12.1%) had

possible HBV exposure (anti-HBc+, HBsAg–, anti-HBs–). Among 230 travelers tested Molecular motor during the travel clinic visit, 7/213 (3.3%) were HBV-infected, 95/218 (43.6%) were immune, 106/179 (59.2%) were susceptible, and 10/182 (5.5%) had possible HBV exposure. The travel clinic offers an opportunity to capture, identify, and educate infected persons unaware of their infection, educate those with known results, and initiate preventive action (eg, vaccination) for those still susceptible. Approximately 350 million persons worldwide have chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and 620,000 persons die annually from

HBV-related liver disease.[1, 2] Chronic HBV infection can lead to chronic liver disease including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In highly endemic countries (prevalence of HBsAg ≥8%), HBV infection is commonly transmitted vertically or in early childhood, which is the major determinant for chronic infection. Complications (chronic liver disease and HCC) occur in 15%–40% of chronically infected persons, mostly during adulthood but can occur earlier.[3] HCC may develop in asymptomatic infected persons in the absence of cirrhosis. Early screening, monitoring, and treatment can limit transmission and reduce the likelihood of potentially fatal consequences.[4] Diagnosis of HBV infection, immunity, and carrier state is done by serologic testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc).