Viral hepatitis in children: a study in Libya

Abstract

SUMMARY Serum surveys in Gharian and Derna, Libya, assessed by radioimmunoassay, indicated that 100% of children of seven years and older, were HAV immune, as were 60–70% of three-year old children revealing that infection occurs below the latter age. HBV infection occurs erratically in time and appears to be uncommon in young children, affects school children somewhat more frequently and adults more so. Non-A non-B hepatitis also occurs but in the absence of specific tests it is impossible to assess its incidence.