[Transmission and prevention of viral hepatitis]

The ways of transmission of hepatotropic viruses are now fairly known. Populations at risk for these infections are precisely identified and preventive measures are efficient. Safe hygiene for oro-fecal as well as for sexual or blood transmission is accurately determined. Vaccines exist against some viruses. In the future, efforts will have to be made in several directions: a) education of individuals at risk, in order to further diminish the transmission of the viruses in these groups; b) identification of the mode of transmission of sporadic hepatitis which, so far, has escaped any prevention; c) design of a vaccine against virus C, which will make mass prevention possible.