Expert Committee on Hepatitis

First Report. World Health Organization Technical Report Series No. 62 (Available also in French). 26 pp. Geneva, W.H.O., Palais des Nations. March, 1953. Price 1/6, $0.20, Fr. fr. 65.-; Sw. fr. 0.80

Wm. Allen Longshore Jr.
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This report presents in a compact and easily available form the current facts and theories concerning the two entities infectious hepatitis and serum hepatitis. The subject is covered in an orderly fashion beginning with a clarification of the terminology and discussion of the differentiation of the two diseases and the known characteristics of the viruses concerned (including their resistance to physical and chemical agents). Sections follow on methods of spread, epidemiology and control measures. The last three sections put forth the problems and possible solutions in the use of human blood and blood products and indicates areas in which further research on hepatitis is especially desirable.

The expert committee had notable success in its attempt to state briefly the existing knowledge regarding hepatitis. In doing so it includes two areas of comment not usually found elsewhere—a section on “Viruses Causing Hepatitis in Animals” and the suggested follow-up card to detect cases of serum hepatitis. The recommendation for compulsory notification (reporting) should meet with general approval.

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