[Hepatitis B virus epidemiology: degree of contamination and hyperreactors]

152 anti-HBs positive blood donors were observed for 2 to 9 years for persistence of this hepatitis-B marker. The results suggest an average persistence of anti-HBs-positive findings in the controlled carriers of at least 10 years. Some of the investigated blood donors belong to a special group of "hyperreactors" with long-lasting persistence of high-titred anti-HBs. These are apparently persons with a special immune reaction pattern.