The epidemiological characteristics of acute hepatitis B in Tomsk and its region over 1992-2007

The paper provides the epidemiological characteristics of acute hepatitis B (AHB) in Tomsk and its region in 1992-2007. While examining, the authors used the records of the Russian Inspectorate for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Human Welfare in the Tomsk Region, and the data of their studies: a retrospective epidemiological analysis and an analysis of epidemiological histories and questionnaires of AHB patients. The study has led to the following conclusions: in Tomsk and its region, the intensive AHB morbidity rates constantly exceed the average Russian rates; the proportion of women is on the rise; the age of patients with AHB increased; there was a preponderance of socially disadapted population groups, such as intravenous psychoactive substance users at the beginning of the study, then their proportion noticeably decreased, but the number of workers and employees, accordingly, became larger. Over time, the sexual and medical routes of infection transmission held the lead; the importance of a contact-household route increased.

acute hepatitis B, epidemiology, HBV infection, retrospective epidemiological analysis, Tomsk