Publisher's Synopsis
Until recently, it was believed that transmission of the hepatitis A virus (HAV) was rarely, if ever, a problem linked to blood transfusion. Factors contributing to this belief included the transcience of the viremic period in hepatitis A infection and the absence of a carrier state. In conflict with this view, however, are a number of cases of hepatitis A infection in haemophiliacs reportedly associated with the use of blood products. The possibility of HAV transmission has been recognized by blood banks as a potential problem and is the subject of discussion in this special issue.;Epidemics of hepatitis A among haemophiliacs in different European countries are reviewed and evaluated. Also included is a study of the natural history of hepatitis A and risk factors for infection, as well as the FDA perspective and response to the risk of hepatitis A from blood products. The information presented in these contributions and the final discussion should be of interest to haematologists, virologists and blood product manufacturers.
