Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A Virus Antibody and Vaccination among Healthcare Workers in a Teaching Hospital / 병원감염관리

BACKGROUND: Recently, the incidence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection has been increasing in Korea, and an outbreak among healthcare workers (HCWs) has also been reported. This study aims to evaluate the seroepidemiology of hepatitis A among HCWs at an 820-bed teaching hospital in Korea, thereby facilitating HAV vaccination for these HCWs. METHODS: In June 2009, we assessed the total immunoglobulins against the HAV in the serum samples of 907 HCWs by using VIDAS Anti-HAV Total (bioMerieux, France). RESULTS: Seropositivity for HAV significantly increased with age (P or =61 years. CONCLUSION: Since HCWs aged 20-40 years show low seropositivity for HAV vaccination against hepatitis A should be considered in all these HCWs.