PPIB and hepatitis B virus infection: In conclusion, HBsAg seropositive rates decreased from 4.6% in 1998 to 2.9% in 2008, and then persisted without significant changes, ending at 2.9% in 2013.Thus, for reduction of hepatitis B seropositive rate in the Korea, treating existing hepatitis B patients more actively appears to be necessary, along with a continuous immunization programmes to prevent new HBV infection.