Seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus in children and adults

Objective Aims: Hepatitis A is the most common form of acute viral hepatitis in the world.Major geographical differences in endemicity of hepatitis A are closely related to hygienic and sanitary conditions and other indicators of the level of socioeconomic development.Although most patients are asymptomatic,the disease can produce significant morbidity and mortality.In this study we aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis A for adults and pediatric in university hospital- Gaziantep, and to demonstrate the relationship between various socio-demographic data and seropositivity. Method: Serum samples, were taken from individuals who were admitted to Sahinbey hospital in Gaziantep with various diseases between February 2014 and June 2014, Anti HAV IgG and Anti HAV IgM, were investigated by ELISA method. Also individual's socio-demographic data was determined by a questionnaire. Result: A total of 102 individuals, 55 male and 47 female, were included in the study.Anti HAV IgG positivity was detected in 87(85.3%), anti HAV IgM positivity was detected in 2 (2.0%). There weren't any significant gender differences in HAV IgG. By analysis according to the age, Anti-HAV IgG seropositivity increased with aging.Anti-HAV IgG seropositivity was (50%) in children who are up to 5 and (90 %) in the adults (65 years old and over).Although there was no significant difference in HAV IgG seropositivity according to the types of drinking water supply, HAV IgG seropositivity was detected in a less percentage in individuals who drink the commercial water.The values of Anti-HAV IgG were negative in 6 individuals who reported that they received the HAV vaccine. Conclusion: In Turkey HAV infection has been shifted to older ages than younger age.The disease is more complicated in advanced age than younger people. We recommend that subjects who are susceptible against to HAV infections might be included in the routine immunization schedule.