Epidemiological features of acute viral hepatitis among the Israeli Defence Forces, 1977-83

High morbidity rates of non-B hepatitis in the Israeli Defence Forces has stimulated efforts towards its prevention. This paper analyses morbidity over a period of 7 years since a programme of pre-exposure prophylaxis with human normal immunoglobulin began. Among 1480 cases studied, about 5% were of hepatitis B. In 360 patients further investigated 11% of illnesses were caused by hepatitis non-A non-B viruses; the remainder by hepatitis A virus. Females comprised about 15% of all three groups. Ethnic origin, social class and education were similar in all those with hepatitis A and non-A non-B hepatitis. This was not so for hepatitis B. None of those with hepatitis B gave a history of former blood transfusions or illicit use of drugs. The importance of risk groups and mode of transmission of the various hepatitis viruses is discussed.