[Distribution of hepatitis B antigen in Cordoba, Argentina].

This article presents the results obtained in the search for the hepatitis B antigen by the counter-immunoelectrophoresis technique in sera of more than 50.000 persons from Córdoba, Argentina. Groups of voluntary blood donors, general population, 20 years old army recruits, patients, with acute hepatitis and patients admitted to a hospital due to other diseases were included in this study. In the apparenly healthy population the positivity of the test ranged between 0.33 to 0.53 percent; the highest rate was found among the recruits. In the group of patients with acute hepatitis, 38.53% of the sera were positive. No statistically significant differences were observed in the monthly distribution of the hepatitis B antigen during the period of study. These results are compared with those found by other workers in different countries. This study shows the importance of the early detection of the hepatitis B antigen in blood donors, to reduce the incidence of hepatitis transmitted by transfusions. The importance of establishing centers for the standardization and control of reagents, as well as for the training of laboratory personnel is emphasized.