[Anti hepatitis A antibodies in the French population and in polyvalent plasma immunoglobulins at a transfusion center (Gamma TS)].

A search for antibodies directed specifically against hepatitis virus A was carried out in 600 blood donors in the Paris region (354 men and 246 women) by a radio-immunological technic in solid phase. 75.3% had a positive test, no difference was found as regards sex on country of origin (57 were not French). An increase in the frequency of carriers of anti-HAV carriers was observed in relation to age, for 48.4% were aged between 18 and 24 years and 85.9% had antibodies after age 40 years. An estimation of anti-HAV antibodies was made on 19 lots of immunoglobulins from French transfusion centers by the same technic. High and homogenous levels were observed (average 1/4 270). These data were discussed and compared with those in the literature. A better prophylaxis of hepatitis A and the determination of specific activity of polyvalent immunoglobulins with regard to this virus is then considered.