[Markers of hepatitis virus A and B infection in subjects undergoing a hiring examination in a large business]

The prevalence of some hepatitis-A and hepatitis-B markers has been studied in 495 individuals (male 291, female 204) attending a preemployment medical examination at a great factory in Northern Italy between November 1978 and April 1979. A 2.0% and 13.7% incidence has been respectively found for HBsAg and anti-HBs in the whole population. A statistically significative difference has been recognized between people coming from Southern and Northern Italy, as well as between first-employment subjects and workmen or countrymen. A higher incidence of anti-HBc has been detected in men, in older age groups, and Southern immigrants, without any statistically significative difference related to their previous activities. Anti-HAV antibody has been found in 57.9% of whole population, with a greater incidence in younger people and in southern immigrants. First-employment group showed a lower incidence of anti-HAV, notwithstanding the great number of southern immigrants in this group.