Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Sechenov Medical Academy, Moscow, Russia; National Institute of Health Service, Research Institute of Epidemiology, Virology and Parasitology, State Medical University, Yerevan, Armenia
The survey of the population immunological structure with respect to parenteral hepatitis showed a wide circulation of hepatitis B (HB) and hepatitis C (HC) viruses among the adult population of Armenia. During the 5 year period of observation the number of persons having antibodies to HC virus increased 2.7-fold. High occurrence of antibodies to HBsAg of HB virus among the healthy population in 2002 (12.0%) in comparison with 1997 (5.4%) reflected a decreased infection rate with HB virus as well. Antibodies to hepatitis A (HA) virus were isolated, on the average, in 64 % of persons. Simultaneously with a decrease in the proportion of HA cases an increased number of HC patients was registered. No circulation of hepatitis E virus was detected. A high percentage of hepatitis cases of mixed etiology was established, as well as an increased number of combined parenteral hepatitis cases was registered (57.1%).
Zh. Mikrobiol. (Moscow), 2005, No. 5, P. 93—96