[Hepatitis viruses of man: transmission, epidemiology and immunology (author's transl)]

The isolation and characterization of the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) resulted in great advances in the serological diagnosis and the prophylaxis. About 20% of the viral hepatitis cases are caused by the HAV. The hepatitis A never becomes chronic and can be diagnosed by the detection of HAV antibodies of the IgM type. The HBV is the etiologic agent in 60% of the hepatitis cases and 10% of these become chronic. It is possible to immunize against the HBV and to reduce the number of neonatal infections.