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The three type of human viral hepatitis
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Hepatitis A and B infections are global health issues. Laboratory tests have improved understanding and identified a new hepatitis form, common after blood transfusions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis A and B viruses are prevalent worldwide, posing significant public health challenges.
- Antigenic markers have enabled sensitive laboratory diagnostics for these viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and immunology of hepatitis A and B.
- To characterize a newly identified hepatitis form unrelated to hepatitis A or B.
Main Methods:
- Utilized sensitive laboratory tests based on specific viral antigenic markers.
- Employed diagnostic approaches to differentiate hepatitis types and identify new forms.
Main Results:
- Identified a persistent hepatitis B surface antigen carrier state in 120-175 million individuals.
- Established hepatitis B virus's role in chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Characterized a novel hepatitis, now the most common post-transfusion hepatitis in some regions and a cause of sporadic hepatitis in adults.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory diagnostics have significantly advanced the understanding of hepatitis A and B.
- A distinct, prevalent hepatitis form, unrelated to A or B, has been identified, impacting transfusion safety and public health.