[An outbreak type A hepatitis in a family group living in a village near Parma. Epidemiologic evaluation and prophylaxis (author's transl)]

The most recent data concerning the characteristics of hepatitis A virus, as well as epidemiology and prophylaxis of type A hepatitis are described. An epidemic of hepatitis A which occurred in a village near Parma is analysed. The diagnosis was based on the detection, by radioimmunoassay, of specific antibody to hepatitis A antigen (anti-HAV) at the beginning of the infection and during the convalescence. In addition the occurrence of high levels of specific immunoglobulins type M anti HAV, during the acute phase, was a further evidence of the diagnosis. The presence of other agents responsible for acute hepatitis, such as Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus, has been excluded by laboratory examination.