title: [Hepatitis B: new aspects, practical implications. Virology and epidemiology].
abstract: Although neither A nor B hepatitis virus (HAV, HBV) has been grown in cell or organ cultures, both agents have been identified and characterized. The subsequent ability to diagnose hepatitis A and B has led to the recognition of a third form of viral hepatitis, "non A--non B hepatitis". It has been possible to eliminate HBV from blood used for transfusion and from blood products, and the combined results of hepatitis research have led to a better understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of viral hepatitis. The most important development, though, has been production of a vaccine with the prospect of controlling at least hepatitis B in the near future by active immunization. However, immunization experiments in man should proceed with the utmost caution and one must not underestimate the difficulties which still have to be overcome before vaccination against hepatitis B becomes routine.
mesh_terms: D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D014481:United States; D014765:Viral Vaccines
chemical_list: D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D014765:Viral Vaccines
vernacular_title: Hepatitis B: neue Aspekte, praktische Konsequenzen. Virologie und Epidemiologie