[Ecological characteristics of viral hepatitis. III. Hepatitis B in Vojvodina]

The significance of particular risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection in persons of various ages was analyzed by active epidemiological investigation. Among the diseased children, the largest number of them were mentally retarded and accommodated in special institutions. Sexual and professional exposure to the hepatitis B virus is responsible for a considerable percentage of diseased adults, aged 20-49. In persons over 50 years of age, parenteral medical interventions are the most frequent risk factor. By carrying out proper sterilization in medical practice and vaccination of the exposed categories of the population, a significant reduction of the hepatitis B morbidity rates can be achieved.