Changes in incidence of hepatitis B in Ireland from 1970-1987

This paper analyses data on 2,226 cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection detected during the years 1970 to 1987. Of those where information on risk-group was available (1,301), infection among intravenous drug-abusers accounted for the largest proportion (49%). Most became infected during and si...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Irish journal of psychology 1989-01, Vol.158 (8), p.210-214
Main Authors: Shattock, A G, Jones, L, O'Mahony, M, Hillary, IB
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:This paper analyses data on 2,226 cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection detected during the years 1970 to 1987. Of those where information on risk-group was available (1,301), infection among intravenous drug-abusers accounted for the largest proportion (49%). Most became infected during and since an outbreak of hepatitis B and delta hepatitis which originated in this group in 1980. A comparison of the data before and after the start of the outbreak among drug-abusers shows a marked increase in the number of HBV infections in non drug users, including haemophiliacs, homosexuals and health-care staff, and a dramatic decrease in hepatitis B following blood transfusion. A larger group (165 cases), many of whom are long-term healthy hepatitis B surface antigen carriers, were patients in institutions for the mentally handicapped. Others affected included visitors to and from high-incidence areas, tattooed persons, dialysis patients, persons born to infected mothers, and members of the security forces dealing with drug-abusers.
ISSN:0303-3910