[Incidence of various types of viral hepatitis and its sequelae throughout the world]

In the years 1980-1987 the incidence of virus hepatitis in the countries of the European Region of the WHO ranged widely, from a fraction of unity to several hundreds per 100 thousand of the population. In the countries, where a high incidence had been noted previously, a fall of this incidence was observed in recent years. Virus hepatitis A is a problem particularly in the developing countries and in closed population groups in the developed countries Virus hepatitis B is endemic in most regions of the world, and its prevalence is greatest in certain countries of Asia and Africa. The incidence is also fairly high in the countries of East and South Europe. The health importance of hepatitis B is considerable, especially in view of its sequelae. This problem could be dealt with by introduction of vaccinations, as yet in the high risk groups. Delta virus infection related to HBV occurs in all continents. In Europe its incidence is highest in the Mediterranean countries, Romania and the USSR. Virus hepatitis type non-A non-B transmitted parenterally predominates in developed countries, in patients receiving transfusions of blood and its preparations, after dialyses, and in recipients of organ transplants. Virus hepatitis non-A non-B transmitted with food is occurring in great epidemics or in foci in Asia, Africa and North America. Its characteristic feature is frequent occurrence in adults and high mortality in pregnant women.