Int J Infect Dis 1997; 2(2):105-109.

Objectives: To study the incidence of acute viral hepatitis (A, B, or C) in Belgium, manifested clinically by patients who consult a general practitioner. Methods: During 2 successive years (1991 and 1992), 187 sentinel general practitioners registered all patients for whom a clinical suspicion existed of acute viral hepatitis. In addition to epidemiologic data, blood samples were taken at the time of registration and 3 and 9 months later. Results: There were 209 patients registered. Incidence per 100,000 inhabitants was estimated at 23 for hepatitis A, 6 for hepatitis B, and 3 for hepatitis C. Conclusions: The incidence of clinical acute viral hepatitis (A, B, and C) was dramatically lower in 1991-92 than in the period 1982-84. The average age of patients with hepatitis A rose significantly.

KEY WORDS: Belgium, general practice, incidence, viral hepatitis

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