Acute and Chronic Viral Hepatitis in South Africa

Abstract

Viral hepatitis is a common infections d,disease and, a major public health problem worldwide. The economic and. human cost of these chronic hepatitis viruses is exacerbated by their association with hepatocellular carcinoma - one of the ten most common malignant tumors. This article reviews the relevant virus in clinical practice in Southern. After attempts to condense some of the latest knowledge on the Hepatitis A and B, and, the NANB hepatitis viruses. The NANBH virus group is further sub-classified and the author has solid serological data for the identification of 2 other viruses, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis E virus. The Delta agent seem to be rare in southern Africa. The major concern in southem Africa is to control hepatitis B virus and prevent the apalling sequelae of chronic infection with this virus. The high cost of vaccinating infants in high risk areas, is still n major problem..