Epidemiological Aspects on Acute Viral Hepatitis in Northern Italy

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Incidence and epidemiological features of acute hepatitis types A, B and non-A non-B were evaluated in 332 consecutive patients hospitalized in Padova, Italy. Hepatitis B was diagnosed in 59% of cases and was frequently related to drug addiction, health care work and household contact with hepatitis B surface antigen-positive subjects. Hepatitis A represented 22% of cases and its peak incidence occurred in the 2nd decade. Non-A non-B hepatitis affected 15% of patients including not only transfusion or drug related forms, but also sporadic cases that prevailed among elderly women.