Viral hepatitis in Alexandria

ABSTRACT

Viral hepatitis is considered one of the most important problems in the field of infectious diseases allover the world. The aim of the work was to study the most important epidemiological factors which may predispose to the occurrence of the disease and detection of HBs Ag among a subsample. The total number of the studied sample amounted to 1055 hepatitis cases. The study group was subjected to an interview for collection of basic epidemiologic data. The results obtained revealed that most of the cases were illiterate living at a low sanitary condition as indicated from the crowding index and sanitary condition of their homes. History of blood transfusion, contact with viral hepatitis cases and parenteral drug use were found to be potential risk factors in the occurrence of the disease. Among a subsample of hepatitis cases 28% were found to be HBs Ag +ve