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The prevention of hepatitis


E Buchel
R.J. Hift
T Wilson
S.S. Abdool Karim

Abstract

The identification and characterisation of the hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E has allowed greater insight into their diagnosis, prevalence and modes of transmission. The clinical, pathological and serological features of each of these viruses have been dealt with elsewhere in this issue of the SAMJ, as have general and specific measures required for the prevention and future elimination of the diseases they cause. A recent consensus statement defined the problem posed by the hepatitis viruses in South Africa and highlighted the measures necessary to manage this effectively. This article will concentrate on measures designed to convey passive or active immunity to hepatitis A and B. However, the importance of general measures for the upliftment of underprivileged communities must constantly be borne in mind since these play a vital role in reducing infection, morbidity and mortality due to the hepatitis viruses.


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574