PROBLEMS OF VIRAL HEPATITIS-B IN HEMODIALYSIS DEPARTMENTS

To study the spread of viral hepatitis B in hemodialysis departments, 92 patients and 52 members of the personnel were examined at such depa rtment. The presence of the complex of viral hepatitis B markers was d etermined with the use of such highly sensitive techniques as the radi oimmunoassay and the enzyme immunoassay. All markers of hepatitis B vi rus infection were detected altogether in 50% of the patients and 79.1 % of the personnel of the department. Clinico-laboratory studies revea led a considerable proportion of persons with chronic forms of the dis ease among these subjects. In patients with chronic renal insufficienc y the latent course of the disease was mainly established, which proba bly ensured the continuity of the epidemic process at the department. Taking into account the present epidemiological situation, the main me asures for the prophylaxis of viral hepatitis B at hemodialysis depart ments were recommended. The conclusions made on the basis of these stu dies emphasize that a wide complex of antiepidemic measures for contro lling viral hepatitis B was necessary at hemodialysis departments.