It is estimated that one in ten of the world's population is infected with hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis B and C are major aetiological factors in the development of end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, leading to an increased burden of health care provision and transplant services throughout the world.



The prevention of infection by vaccination, improved health education and the treatment of chronic infection with anti-viral agents are all important issues in the management of this international health problem.



This book provides an overview of viral hepatitis, enabling clinicians to manage and support their patients. It will also be of great value to specialist nurses, counsellors, drug workers and other health professionals involved in the care of hepatitis carriers. It is, above all, a practical book written to make the information as accessible as possible to all its readers.

A delight to read...extremely well written...a must for all healthcare professionals who deal with the diagnosis, treatment and control of viral hepatitis. Every medical school, microbiology/ virology laboratory, infectious diseases unit, liver transplant, department of public health and hepatitis unit library should have a copy. This guide is a most welcome and useful addition to our educational resource.
Epidemiology and Infection

Christopher J. Tibbs, Department of Gastroenterology, St George's Hospital, London, UK Heather M. Smith, Liver Unit, King's College Hospital, London, UK