Prevention and therapy of hepatitis B.
To review the achievements of the prevention and therapy of hepatitis B (HB) in China during the thirty years after the discovery of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in 1967. Data come from an English language literature search using MEDLINE 1966-1999, especially 1982-1999, and Chinese language literature, published and unpublished, from the Chinese Health Administration. After reviewing of the literature we select 14 articles to address our statement. Two observers independently evaluated the quality of the data materials obtaining from these articles. Investigation of HBV vaccine development in China was almost simultaneously with the same kind of work in the international. At least 200 million people have accepted the vaccination of HBV vaccine. The vaccination of the HBV vaccine in China has decreased the prevalence of HBV infection no matter in urban cities or in rural area. The protection against HBV infection can be maintained at least for 9-11 years. Vaccination of HBV vaccine in China is successful and has obtained great achievements in the prevention and therapy of HB.