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Situation and main characteristics of the AIDS epidemics in Romania are analysed. Prevention measures, among which it is worth mentioning a correct information of the population, are proposed.

The record of SSPE cases diagnosed immunochemically and serologically in our laboratory, standing for about 60% of the total new cases reported in our country, shows a significant decrease in the incidence in 1988-89 (from 5.21 new cases per year per million total population in 1987 to 1.82 cases in 1988). In 85% of the patients, SSPE onset occurred at the age of 10 years or more, suggesting the possibility of a primary measles infection before anti-measles immunization became compulsory. High serum and CSF anti-measles antibody titres in recently diagnosed patients show subclinical long-term courses. Further serologic tests for viruses inducing persistent infections (herpes viruses, AgHBs and HIV) do not show any difference when compared to a control group excepting an increased incidence of anti-cytomegalic titres.

Studies conducted for over 20 years allowed the authors to accumulate a rich experience in the production and administration of an inactivated influenza vaccine applicable by nasal and oral route, prepared in the "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology. Applied as a monovalent in a single dose of 1000 IU, the vaccine induced seroconversion of 70% of the vaccines and ensured a 2--4-fold decrease in influenza morbidity. Owing to these qualities the vaccine represents one of the most advantageous preparations used in influenza prophylaxis.

Sera collected from several migratory birds of the Danube Delta, from humans and domestic birds and animals of three Romanian counties were tested by hemagglutination-inhibition reaction for the presence of antibodies to Yaba 1--Lednice 110 virus. Antibodies could be detected in only 8 of the 14 species of migratory birds included in the study, especially in wild geese and ducks.

The authors discuss different aspects of the rapid diagnosis of viral infections: its necessity, its characteristics, the recent advances having allowed the development of modern techniques. Further, the main categories of procedures used in rapid viral diagnosis are reviewed: 1) electron microscopy, 2) immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase techniques; 3) solid-phase systems with labelled reactants; 4) agglutination with supporting particles; 5) counterimmunoelectrophoresis; 6) rapid/early serological diagnosis. Data are discussed as regards the possibility of the large-scale application of rapid viral diagnosis procedures in Romania.

The results obtained in the "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology by the study of herpes simplex virus (HSV) are reviewed. The investigations were mainly focused on HSV biology, genetic markers, experimental HSV infection, correlation between HSV and some diseases, action of some chemical and biological preparations on HSV, in vitro and in vivo HSV oncogenicity, HSV-induced surface antigens, a.o.

Prospective and retrospective statistical studies were performed in 1,000 cases of congenital malformations. The incidences and severity of the different types of malformations were correlated with the risk and protection factors having acted on the pregnant woman. The correlation coefficients were higher in the case of specific risk factors, among which special attention was paid to maternal virus infections. The possibility is discussed of developing a programme for the individual protection of high-risk cases, implying the compensation of the exposure to risk factors by the application of adequate protection factors, according to the calculated scores.

The studies on respiratory virus diseases performed for 30 years in the "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology approached various aspects of the ecology of inlfuenza and parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses and other respiratory viruses, including numerous experimental, fundamental, clinical and morphopathological investigations. Special attention was paid to specific influenza prophylaxis and to the preparation of an inactivated influenza vaccine applicable by nasal and oral route.

The protection conferred by the inactivated influenza vaccine Nivgrip against influenza caused by the A(H3N2) virus was demonstrated in three school communities of a large urban centre during the epidemic outbreaks occurring in the winter season of 1983. The specific protection was reflected by the lower morbidity by influenza-like respiratory infections and by the absence or scarcity of postinfluenza complications in vaccinees.

A number of 632 new cases of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) could be detected during a 10-year survey. The continuous increase in the number of annual cases suggests a possible correlation with the changes induced in measles epidemiology by the initiation of compulsory vaccination. On the other hand, a comparison of epidemiological and serological characteristics revealed significant differences between the series of SSPE cases recorded in the period preceding and in that following measles vaccination.

Essential peculiarities of the kinetics of the morbidity evolution of most frequent virus diseases were explained using a determinant mathematical model. The main epidemiological parameters for the whole territory of the S.R. of Romania and of Sibiu County were evaluated for the 1967-1986 period.