Approximately 75% of all HBV-positive persons
in the US have not been diagnosed; further, less
than 20% of infected persons have received treatment.
Because 70% of new HBV infections are
asymptomatic and over 60% of chronic HBV infection
cases are asymptomatic, early diagnosis
is dependent on screening of asymptomatic individuals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) and the American Association for
the Study of Liver Diseases recommend targeting
at-risk individuals for HBV screening. Those at
highest risk for HBV infection are individuals born
in African and Asian countries. A recent report
by the Institute of Medicine emphasized the tremendous
burden of viral hepatitis in the US and
the inadequacy of current screening efforts for
HBV, making the need for improved screening and
treatment strategies urgent.