Seroepidemiological studies of transfusion-associated hepatitis.

Serial specimens of serum collected every week from a group of 79 patients who received blood transfusions before or after surgical operation were examined for Australia (Au) antigen and antibody. Out of 18 cases which received Au positive blood, 8 developed antigenemia and 7 produced antibody. Out of 61 cases which received Au negative blood, 21 cases showed antibody response. Out of total 79 recipients, 8 cases developed hepatitis (10%) 6 out of which were the patients who received An negative blood.