[The detectability of the hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to the hepatitis C virus in serviceman blood donors]

Abstract

Blood tests on HBsAg and anti-HCV were conducted in two groups of donors. The first group: 13677 servicemen, average age--20, constant place of residence--different regions of Russia. The second group: 1810 men (70%) and women (30%), average age--37, Moscow residence. In comparison with 1991 a reduction of positive HBsAg test results was marked in 1992 (by 1.6%) and in 1993 (by 1.8%), including 1.6 and 1.8% for combat units, and 2.2 and 3.9% for military construction units. In the authors' opinion such improvement of epidemiological HBV situation in the Armed Forces was caused by the fact that in autumn 1991 and in 1992 the drafting for the basic military service to the Russian Army was abolished in the regions of Middle Asia, Moldavia and Trans-Caucasus. The difference in anti-HCV positive results reduction between the first group (1.7%) and the second group (2.5%) can be explained by age factor, and by the more strict control over the selection of donors in the first group.