hepatitis B

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. a form of hepatitis caused by a DNA virus hepatitis B virus, or HBV that persists in the blood, characterized by a long incubation period: usually transmitted by sexual contact or by injection or ingestion of infected blood or other bodily fluids.

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hepatitis B British  

noun

1. Former name: serum hepatitis.  a form of hepatitis caused by a virus transmitted by infected blood (as in transfusions), contaminated hypodermic needles, sexual contact, or by contact with any other body fluid

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Etymology

Origin of hepatitis B

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

The WHO recommends that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.

From BBC

When the U.S. first implemented vaccination doses at birth beginning in 1991, hepatitis B infections in American children plummeted by 99%.

From Salon

But now they are only recommending vaccinations against meningococcal disease, hepatitis B, and hepatitis A to children who broadly face a higher risk of infections.

From Salon

Other changes include dropping a mandatory hepatitis B vaccine for newborns, as well as identifying bacterial meningitis, rotavirus and COVID-19 as recommended only for “high risk groups.”

From Los Angeles Times

Its socialized health system recommends fewer vaccines than most countries in the West because some diseases like hepatitis B are less prevalent there.

From The Wall Street Journal