[Incidence of antibodies against hepatitis virus A (anti-HA) in a non-selected urban population].

Anti-HA antibodies were determined by radioimmunoassay according to the HAVAB-ABBOTT technique in 244 subjects, of whom 194 without hepatic involvement, 25 with non B hva and 25 former non B hva patients. Anti-HA anti-bodies were found in 67% of the healthy subjects and 100% of the patients and former hva cases. The incidence of anti-HA antibodies increases with age being in 30% of children and 83.

[Frequency and prognostic value of the "e" system in hepatitis B virus infection].

The frequency and prognostic value of the "e" system was determined in acute and chronic hepatitis patients and in blood donors by immunodiffusion on Abott rheophoresis plates. The incidence of HBe Ag in acute viral hepatitis was 20% at the beginning of the disease; its persistance indicated a prolonged evolution and a tendency to a chronic course. The presence of anti-HBe at the beginning of the acute disease may indicate the onset of a non-B hepatitis in an HBe carrier.