Research seems to be gaining upper hand on what's been called non-A,non-B hepatitis

Article Abstract:

Several forms of hepatitis are caused by specific viruses. The current terminology speaks of hepatitis-A which is caused by Hepatitis-A virus, and hepatitis-B which is caused by Hepatitis-B virus. Individuals who have hepatitis that can not be identified by immunologic grounds as being A or B are classified as having non-A non-B (NANB) hepatitis. NANB hepatitis is credited with being responsible for a large percentage of all hepatitis within the United States, and remains the leading complication of blood transfusions, with 5 to 10 percent of all transfusions resulting in this infection. In recent years the level of hepatitis infection following transfusion has decreased due to blood screening with surrogate tests that have abnormal results in the presence of NANB. However, even the use of surrogate tests only allowed approximately 66 percent of NANB hepatitis contaminated blood to be identified. Although a different virus was suspected to be the cause of NANB hepatitis, the causative agent had not been identified and more direct testing measures were not available. Two reports in the January 5, 1990 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association and recent articles elsewhere in the medical press have established a Hepatitis-C virus, which appears to be responsible for at least 85 percent of all NANB cases. In addition, several techniques to identify the Hepatitis-C virus directly have been developed. Defects of the current tests or the existence of additional causative agents, presumably viruses, may be responsible for the remaining percentage of NANB hepatitis which can not be identified as hepatitis-C.

Research, Testing, Causes of, Complications and side effects, Hepatitis, Viral, Viral hepatitis, Blood transfusion, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E

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Hepatitis B vaccine appears headed for pediatric immunization schedule

Article Abstract:

Between 1979 and 1989, the number of hepatitis cases increased by more than one third, and now there are between 200,000 and 300,000 cases per year. In many instances the source of infection is unknown. Almost a decade ago a vaccine against hepatitis B became available, but few of those at risk were vaccinated. Even health workers, who are often exposed to the virus, have not been convinced to have themselves vaccinated. Others at risk are those with multiple sex partners, and intravenous drug abusers. Many remain at risk of developing hepatitis B and suffering from its potential complications, including liver disease and even death. In Hawaii, Alaska, and some Pacific islands, hepatitis B vaccine has been added to the childhood immunization schedule, successfully reducing the rate of acute hepatitis in those areas. A cost-benefit analysis of giving the vaccine to children has shown that the vaccine is far less costly than the disease. The price in the government contract is $7.40 per dose, or $22 dollars for the three-dose schedule. Individual physicians pay approximately twice that, but the price should drop as sales increase. Efforts should continue to immunize adults at risk, but by immunizing children, it is hoped that the risk of hepatitis B will be greatly reduced. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Finance, Prevention, Children, Vaccination of children, Vaccination, editorial

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CDC Director Invites Participation in Disease Control and Prevention

Article Abstract:

The director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wants healthcare organizations to work together with public health researchers. Jeffrey P. Koplan was named director of the CDC in October, 1998. He stated his goals at a National Health Council briefing in January, 1999. The National Health Council is a nonprofit organization of more than 100 voluntary health agencies, professional associations, industry groups, and other organizations with an interest in health and health care. One goal is controlling the use of antibiotics to prevent widespread drug resistance in bacteria.

Officials and employees, Speeches, lectures and essays, United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Koplan, Jeffrey P.

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