TABLE 1.
Geographic prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen carriage in the general population and possible routes of transmission
Prevalence | Geographic area | Age at infection | Possible routes of transmission |
---|---|---|---|
Low (<2%) | North America, Western Europe | Early adulthood | Sexual, percutaneous, others |
Moderate (2–8%) | Mediterranean, Eastern Europe | Childhood | Horizontal |
High (>8%) | East Asia, Africa | Birth, toddler stage, preschool | Perinatal, horizontal |