Infection by the hepatitis B virus in patients of a general hospital.

The prevalence of HBsAg and anti HBs was studied in 1062 inpatients in the city of Rio de Janeiro. HBsAg positivity rates were as follows: a) acute viral hepatitis: 37.8% b) chronic hepatitis 46.67% c) chronic liver disease without hepatitis: 7.69% d) diabetes 3.08% e) lepromatous leprosy 2.35% f) others 2.01%. The carrier state is emphasized. Anti HBs was less frequent in patients with acute viral hepatitis than in patients with other diseases (hepatic or not). The highest levels were: a) lepromatous leprosy: 57.65% b) drug addicts: 46.15% e) diabetes: 43.3%. The high anti HBs positivity is discussed.