[Unresolved and debatable problems in the epidemiology and prevention of viral hepatitis]

The article summarizes the materials on epidemiological peculiarities of A, B, C, D and E hepatitis and gives its etiological structure among the population of Russia and particularly in the Armed Forces. The author arouses a polemical discussion on the latest data concerning the disclosure of A-hepatitis viral genome in saliva, urine and blood. There is a proposal to apply immunofermental method in the clinical and epidemiological practice, as well as in Blood Supply Service. The author stresses that it is necessary to increase the number of specific markers that are used for diagnostical purposes. The article describes the state and outlook for vaccine prophylaxis, determines the trends for further scientific researches on the problem of viral hepatitis in the Armed Forces.