Hepatitis B epidemiology in Poland, Central and Eastern Europe and the newly independent states.

The incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection varies considerably in countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States, but data are difficult to compare between countries because of the large differences in levels of diagnosis, particularly serological identification, and levels of notification. Poland has high levels of diagnosis, including laboratory diagnosis. In the past, the incidence of hepatitis B in Poland was approx. 45 reported cases per 100,000 population, but following the introduction of improved sterilization of medical equipment in 1986 and a selective programme of vaccination in 1991, the incidence fell to about 35 per 100,000 by 1993. In 1993, an intensive vaccination campaign was launched, which has reduced the incidence to under 15 per 100,000. The incidence of HBV infection has decreased across all age groups and in both men and women, and in the under 3 years age group only 32 cases in total were reported in 1997. In 1996 and 1997, there was a slight relative increase in the incidence of HBV infection in men aged 20-24 years. This group may be a target for future vaccination programmes and other activities of control for the infection.