The characteristics of an outbreak of non-A, non-B hepatitis with a fecal-oral mechanism of the transmission of the causative agent in Osh Province, the Kirghiz SSR

The results of epidemiological, clinical and laboratory studies revealed that the sharp rise of morbidity in viral hepatitides in Osh Province, the Kirghiz SSR in autumn 1987 was caused by hepatitis non A, non B virus with fecal-oral transmission. At this period the results of the enzyme immunoassay showed the absence of the markers of hepatitides A, B and Delta in 72.2% of viral hepatitis patients. Hepatitis non A, non B occurred only in 2.4% of viral hepatitis patients of preschool age (of these, 83.3% had hepatitis A) and was diagnosed in autumn 1987 in 50% of the patients aged 7-14 years and in 97.4% of the patients aged 15-29 years (in the latter age group 95-98% of the patients had IgG to hepatitis A virus in their blood). The appearance of the outbreak of the above-mentioned infection in Kirghizia is linked with the water route of the transmission of the infective agent. The epidemiological and clinical signs, characteristic of fecal-oral hepatitis non A, non B in Kirghizia, were not different from those registered earlier in other republics of the Central Asia and could be used for the identification of this infection.     

The cause of the activation of an epidemic process of intestinal infections in the 70s]

In the seventies a considerable rise in dysentery morbidity was observed in all republics of the USSR, in the whole of the USSR, in Bulgaria and in the German Democratic Republic. An increase in cholera morbidity in the world, as well as in the number of countries affected by this infection, was registered. A tendency towards a rise in virus hepatitis incidence was observed in the USSR. The dynamic study of the ozone content in the stratosphere, solar activity, disturbances in the magnetic field of the Earth, air temperature for the period of 1967-1980 was carried out. Strong and moderate correlation between dysentery and air temperature in summer was established. The maximum morbidity level in the USSR in 1972 was probably the consequence of unusually high air temperature in summer.     

Viral hepatitis E: its epidemiological characteristics in the Republic of Tajikistan

The characteristic feature of the Republic of Tajikistan, as well as other republics of Central Asia, is the wide spread of virus hepatitis E. The epidemiology of this grave disease, recently known as virus hepatitis non A, non B with the fecal-oral mechanism of transmission of this infection, has been yet insufficiently studied. The article points out to the specific character of this infection which essentially differs, both epidemiologically and clinically, from other enteric hepatitis (hepatitis A), also hyperendemic for the republic. The results of the study of the immunostructure of the population with respect to both hepatitis E and hepatitis A are presented.     

Retrospective epidemiologic diagnosis of viral non-A, non-B hepatitis with a fecal-oral mechanism of transmission of the causative agent

The possibility of the retrospective epidemiological diagnosis of viral hepatitis non A, non B with the fecal-oral mechanism of the transfer of infection in three cities of Central Asia on the basis of the analysis of the dynamics of registered hepatitis A morbidity is shown. With the irregularity of morbidity levels among the total population being characteristic of all three cities, in Andizhan one rise in morbidity within a period of 3 years (1975-1978) and in Tashauz one rise within a period of 5 years (1975-1980) were registered. The analysis of the dynamics of morbidity observed in individual age and social groups showed that these rises, especially those registered in 1976 in Andizhan and in 1977 in Tashauz, were determined by morbidity levels among school children and adults. This is also true for a rise in morbidity rate registered in Tashauz in 1985. In Andizhan the highest morbidity rates among adults were registered in districts insufficiently equipped with modern amenities. Cases of infection registered as hepatitis A (HA) among persons immune to HA at territories with high intensity of the epidemic process of HA at the above-mentioned periods seem to be due to viral hepatitis non A, non B with the fecal-oral mechanism of the transmission of the infective agent.     

The epidemiological patterns of hepatitis non-A, non-B

The etiological structure of viral hepatitides in three cities of the Volga region was studied. The proportion of hepatitis non A, non B was established: it varied from 3.6% to 18.1% at different territories and depended on the total morbidity level, on the season, as well as on the age of patients. A suggestion was made concerning the role of the parenteral mechanism of the transfer of hepatitis non A, non B at the territory under study.     

Significance of indices of potential selection for residents of the USSR

Crow's indices of the opportunity for selection and their components connected with differential mortality (Im) and differential fertility (If) were estimated for populations of Soviet Union republics and for a number of USSR ethnic groups on the basis of demographic statistics. More than 10-fold decrease in the Im value was revealed in the total population of the USSR during 1926-1987. At present, the Im values in republics vary from 0.020 to 0.094 for urban population and from 0.030 to 0.121 in rural population, the ratio of perinatal mortality in the whole structure of prereproductive mortality being higher in the republics with lower values of the Im. The range of the If values for different peoples (0.148-0.643) is wider than for the populations of the republics (0.326-0.578). Interethnic differences contribute 47% of the variance in fertility. The structure of Crow's indices is given for urban and rural populations of the republics. Genetic implications of the data presented are discussed with respect to possible manifestation of the effects of inter-group selection.     

Epidemiologic analysis morbidity with meningococcal infections in the USSR]

The authors present the analysis of the incidence of epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis in the USSR from 1937 to 1974, and of meningococcus infection from 1965 to 1974. A rise of the meningococcus infection incidence from 1969 to 1974 was recorded 28 years after the elevation of 1940-1942 and was 1.5 times below this latter rise. The rise in 1969-1974 was characterized by marked signs peculiar to the infection with the droplet transmission mechanism; among those who contracted the disease prevalence was seen among children aged under 14 years (63-72%). A marked affection of juveniles was noted. Three types of the dynamic of the meningococcus infection incidence in the republics located in different climatic-geographical zones of the USSR were noted: slow, gradual increase of the level, interrupted and explosive. Such character was determined in the dynamics of the seasonal elevations of morbidity. Antiepidemic measures including a complex of nonspecific measures could not be assessed as sufficiently effective. This finds reflection in the natural course of the epidemic process of the meningococcus infection which remains uncontrolled. From the patients with generalized form of the disease meningococci of group A were isolated in 80-100% of cases, from the number of those typed. The group-specific reference of the nasopharyngeal strains depended on the epidemic situation: strains of serological group A prevailed at the period of the morbidity elevation, and other serological groups (particularly of C and B) increased at its decline.     

The structure of the population morbidity with specific intestinal infections in areas with different intensities in the development of the epidemic process and an evaluation of its manifestations]

The authors analyze the morbidity structure in five enteric infections (typhoid fever, dysentery caused by Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei, hepatitis A, and hepatitis E (non A, non B) with the fecal/oral mechanism of the agent transmission) in three towns of Turkmenia and in the town of Novomoskovsk, Tula Province. The incidence of S. sonnei dysentery was found higher in Novomoskovsk and that of the rest enteric infections under study in Turkmenia. The incidence of typhoid fever and hepatitis E was the highest among schoolchildren and adults, whereas preschool children suffered mostly from hepatitis A and S. sonnei dysentery. The authors discuss the specific features of the epidemic process manifestation in enteric infections.     

Characteristics of the distribution of the markers of hepatitis B vir us infection among the healthy population of the Tadzhik SSR and Azerbaijan SSR

A total of 708 healthy persons in Tajikistan and 576 healthy persons in Azerbaijan, these groups comprising persons of both sexes and different age groups, were examined by the method of double gel immunodiffusion (the gel precipitation test) and by the passive hemagglutination test for the presence of the markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (HBsAg and HBeAg) and antibodies to them. This investigation showed that, in accordance with the level of hepatitis B morbidity, HBsAg was significantly more often detected among the population in Tajikistan (7.2%) than in Azerbaijan (2.8%). In both republics HBV carriers occurred most frequently among children aged 1-4 years (4.0% in Azerbaijan and 13.9% in Tajikistan), and among men more frequently than among women. In accordance with different intensity of the spread of HBV infection in the territories under comparison, differences in the age structure of the immune population were noted: in Tajikistan the formation of the immune layer occurred most frequently among younger age groups and in Azerbaijan, among senior adult age groups. The presence of a considerable percentage of persons with HBe-antigenemia (14.3-14.9% as determined by the gel precipitation test) among HBV carriers, observed in Tajikistan and in Azerbaijan, indicates that some of them have undetected chronic hepatitis B.     

Urgent problems in the organization of malaria prophylaxis

The causes contributing to the appearance of local cases of malaria and to the isolated foci of this disease in some of the southern republics of the USSR are analyzed. Modern means for the control of this infection are considered. The complex of measures necessary for the final liquidation of malaria in the USSR, the CMEA countries and the developing countries of socialist orientation are outlined.     

A review of the leaf-beetle genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Psylliodes</Emphasis> Latreille (Coleoptera,Chrysomelidae) from Russia and neighboring countries: I. A key to subgenera,species-groups,and species

An illustrated key to subgenera, species-groups, and species of Psylliodes Latreille from all republics of the former USSR and Mongolia is given. A total of 62 species are included in the key, among which 55 have been recorded from this territory.     

The epidemic spread of the influenza A and B viruses in the USSR in 1985-1986

The data on the spread of influenza A and B in the autumn and winter of 1985-1986 are given. Three epidemics caused by all presently circulating viruses, B, A (H3N2) and A (H1N1), were registered in the USSR. Of these, the greatest one was the epidemic of influenza B; morbidity rate among the adult population during this epidemic was at the level with the morbidity rate characteristic of the epidemics registered at the period of 1962-1972, and morbidity rate among children, especially school children, was even higher.     

Spread of hepatitis virus as a threat to national security

Information on viral hepatitis A, B and C morbidity in Russia is presented. A distinct trend to decreased viral hepatitis B and C morbidity in 2001-2002 in comparison with the 1990-ies is noted. Nevertheless, there is still unfavorable prognosis regarding high hepatitis B morbidity among the population of reproductive age, as well as among adolescents, which increases the risk for children at an early age. In addition, a new specific feature of hepatitis A spread is observed: morbidity in this infection is shifted to older age groups. The role of vaccinal prophylaxis in the decrease of hepatitis A and B morbidity, virus safety of blood and its components, the quality of the diagnostics of chronic hepatitis, especially hepatitis C, are discussed. The complex of measures for the prophylaxis of viral hepatitis is proposed.     

Epidemiological analysis of hepatitis A morbidity

A retrospective epidemiological analysis of hepatitis A morbidity for many years among the population of two neighboring towns in the temperate climatic zone of the USSR has revealed the cyclic character of the epidemic process without a perceptible decrease in its extensiveness and has determined the high-risk groups, as well as the beginning of the seasonal rise of morbidity in these groups. The results of the study indicate that different levels of hepatitis A morbidity and risk groups can be observed in these two neighboring towns. At periods of a lower morbidity level the high-risk group embraces schoolchildren, and when morbidity is at a higher level the risk group includes schoolchildren and preschool children in organized groups. Among the latter the morbidity level is influenced by factors acting all the year round and among school children, by seasonal factors. The beginning of the seasonal rise of morbidity falls on August, while in organized groups of children of preschool age the seasonal rise of hepatitis A morbidity begins 1-1.5 months later. All prophylactic measures for controlling hepatitis A should be carried out with due regard to these features of the epidemic process.     

The epidemiological characteristics of meningococcal infection in the USSR

The epidemiological analysis of morbidity in meningococcal infection in the USSR in the period of 1969-1987 showed that the second rise of the morbidity level occurred in 1984 and was followed by its decrease in most of the regions of the USSR. This study also revealed that the characteristic feature of the second rise of morbidity in meningococcal infection was a considerable involvement of young children (aged up to 3 years), as well as the increased etiological role of group B meningococci in cases of meningococcal infection and the circulation of these microorganisms among the population. Besides, the preservation of the etiological importance of group A meningococci in many regions of the USSR, especially among adults, was noted. In this connection, the use of Soviet group A meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine on epidemiological indications was considered to be epidemiologically substantiated.     

Detection of Epstein-Barr viral antibodies in patients with acute viral hepatitis

Serum samples obtained from 44 patients with virus A hepatitis, 23 patients with virus B hepatitis, 65 patients with virus non A, non B hepatitis and 100 healthy adults were studied for the presence of Epstein-Barr (EB) virus in the indirect immunofluorescence test. In this work lymphoblastoid cell lines PH3-J-1 and CN37 were used. Among patients with different forms of hepatitis, the statistically significant elevation of the titers of antibodies to EB virus was detected only in the group of patients with virus non A, non B hepatitis, and in 6 cases the etiological role of EB virus was confirmed by serological and hematological methods.     

Method of calculating the incidence of viral hepatitis B

The method for the calculation of actual hepatitis B morbidity and the formula for such calculation are proposed. The calculations presented in this work have demonstrated that the actual spread of virus B hepatitis is many times higher than the registered morbidity rate and that there are more than 30 undetected hepatitis patients per each manifest case of the disease. This requires additional approaches to the study of the epidemiology of virus B hepatitis, the ways and factors of its transmission.     

消化道传播病毒性肝炎研究进展

病毒性肝炎是由多种不同肝炎病毒引起的,以肝脏损害为主要表现,具有广泛流行性和严重传染性的一类疾病,严重危害人类健康,是我国目前重大的公共卫生问题之一。迄今鉴定出的具有明确致病性的肝炎病毒主要是甲型肝炎病毒(HAV)、乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)、丙型肝炎病毒(HCV)、丁型肝炎病毒(HDV)和戊型肝炎病毒(HEV),分别引起甲、乙、丙、丁、戊型肝炎。病毒性肝炎按传播途径的不同可以分为两类,一类是经肠道外传播的病毒性肝炎,包括乙、丙、丁型肝炎;另一类是经肠道(即消化道)传播的肝炎病毒,包括甲肝和戊肝,其发病有季节性,可呈暴发流行。本文旨在对经消化道传播的病毒型肝炎(甲肝、戊肝)的病原学、流行病学特征及其影响因素、控制和预防作一综述,以期对其流行和科学防控研究提供参考。     

The rate of detection of hepatitis B markers in persons with chronic alcoholism

A total of 707 males suffering from chronic alcoholism and 447 male donors not abusing alcohol have been surveyed in different regions of the USSR. The presence of HBsAg, as well as anti-HBs and anti-HBc antibodies, has been determined by the enzyme immunoassay. The survey has revealed a high rate of hepatitis B virus infection in chronic alcoholics in comparison with the control group, which gives grounds for including such persons into a high risk group with respect to viral hepatitis B infection.     

Etiologic structure of viral hepatitis in children based on data from an comprehensive serologic study of hospitalized patients

During a year an overall serological examination of 1,200 children hospitalized with the diagnosis of viral hepatitis was carried out with a view to establish the presence of hepatitis A and hepatitis B markers (anti-HAV IgM, HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc and anti-HBe IgM) by means of the enzyme immunoassay and radioimmunoassay. The average annual proportion of cases of hepatitis A (61.4%), hepatitis B (20.4%), hepatitis non A, non B (11.2%) and mixed infection (7.0%) among children, as well as seasonal and age-group fluctuations of this proportion, were established. The etiological structure of viral hepatitides, based on commonly accepted clinico-epidemiological diagnostic criteria, was shown to differ from their true etiological structure as determined in accordance with specific serological markers detected in this investigation.