Demographic and Clinical Profile Analysis of Acute Viral Hepatitis

Background: Acute viral hepatitis (AVH) is a major health concern in developing countries like Bangladesh regarding morbidity as well as mortality. Usually, acute infections are caused by A, E, hepatitis viruses, and occasionally hepatitis B virus. Infection caused by the hepatitis C virus is usually asymptomatic. Prior knowledge of the demographic and clinical profile of acute viral hepatitis may be helpful for treatment professionals in the management of such patients. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to assess the demographic and clinical profile of acute viral hepatitis patients in Bangladesh.Material & Methods:This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Gastroenterology, US-Bangla Medical College & Hospital during the period from March 2018 to February 2019, in Bangladesh. A total of 59 suspected patients with acute viral hepatitis were included as the study subjects for this study. Ethical approval of the study had been taken from the ethical committee of the mentioned hospital. A predesigned questionnaire was used in data collection. Collected data analyzed by using MS Office and SPSS version 23.0 programs as per need. A P-value, of <0.05 was considered significant.Results:Among 59 participants, the male-female ratio was 3.2:1 and the mean (±SD) age was 23.88±14.83 years. Analyzing hepatitis infection, we found hepatitis E was the highest in number 32(54.24%), followed by hepatitis E virus 20(33.9%), and hepatitis B virus 5(8.47%). In this study, we did not find any patients with hepatitis C virus, and 2 participants didn’t have any hepatotropic virus. The mean (±SD) Serum bilirubin (mg/dl) was 6.35±1.63, and the mean (±SD) serum alkaline phosphatase (IU/L), serum. creatinine (mg/dl), serum albumin (gm/dl) and plasma glucose random (mg/dl) were found 366.81±257.20, 6.97±14.96, 19.75±22.98 and 10.08±5.49 respectively. Considering dual viruses among the total of 5 patients along with hepatitis E & A viruses in this study, we found all were hepatitis B viruses. Among them, 3 with hepatitis E and the rest 2 were with hepatitis A virus consequently. Among them 3(60%) with hepatitis A and the rest 2(40%) with hepatitis E. In the issue of patients attended with clinical complaints, vomiting was the highest among hepatitis A patients 19(86.4%) followed by jaundice 8(36.4%) and fever8(36.4%). On the other hand, among hepatitis E patients’ jaundice was highest at 19(61.3%) followed by vomiting at 17(54.8%), and fever at 6(19.4%) respectively.Conclusions:The incidence of HEV is found as the most predominant among all the acute viral hepatitis patients and vomiting and jaundice were the most common presenting complaints.

Initial evaluation of universal immunization with a single dose against hepatitis A virus in Central Brazil

ABSTRACT Vaccination against the hepatitis A virus (HAV) administered in two doses has been used effectively in universal child immunization programs in several countries. A single-dose vaccination was adopted in some low-income countries in an attempt to reduce costs without losing effectiveness. In 2014, single-dose universal vaccination was introduced in Brazil for children aged two years. Since such strategy is still not universally accepted, its efficacy should be compared to the two-dose strategy. To assess the humoral response after the single-dose HAV vaccination schedule, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Primavera do Leste, in Mato Grosso state, Central Brazil, including 265 children vaccinated through the National Immunization Program. Blood was collected by using a digital puncture and further applied to filter paper cards. Anti-HAV was detected in 218 out of 265 dried blood spots (DBS). Blood venous samples were collected from 34 out of 47 children who were not anti-HAV positive in DBS samples. Eighteen of them tested positive for anti-HAV, giving a final score of 93.6% (236/252) of seropositivity. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a high rate of anti-HAV positivity in the short term after single-dose hepatitis A vaccination in the population investigated. Moreover, the DBS was shown to be a reliable tool for detecting anti-HAV antibodies.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A and E Virus Infections in Patients with Acute Viral Hepatitis in Hyderabad, India - A One Year Study.

Introduction: Acute viral hepatitis due to faeco- oral group of hepatitis viruses is endemic in India. Outbreaks of hepatitis E virus infection are more common than the hepatitis A virus. Aim: The present study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of IgM antibodies to hepatitis A and E virus in clinically diagnosed acute viral hepatitis cases. And to determine its usefulness against the disease prevention. Study Design: A cross sectional study was carried out on symptomatic patients referred from paediatric and gastro enterology department of Princess Esra hospital. Place and Duration of Study: Around one hundred and eight subjects were analyzed for anti IgM antibodies to hepatitis A and E virus and liver function test in the department of laboratory medicine for Microbiology and biochemistry at Princess Esra Hospital, Deccan College of Medical Sciences between January 2013 and January 2014. Methodology: Blood samples were collected under strict aseptic precautions and tested for anti-HAV and Anti-HEV IgM antibodies using capture elisa from diasorin. Biochemical analysis included estimation of serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels. Results: An overall seropositivity of 54% was observed in the present study. More number of the subjects as 46.29% tested positive for anti HAV IgM than for anti HEV IgM as 7.4%. Co-infections were not noticed. Acute viral hepatitis due to hepatitis A virus is more common in children in the age group 6-10 years followed by 11-15 years and lastly 0-5 years indicating the epidemiological shift. Infection with hepatitis E virus was common in adolescent and adults. Males were more susceptible to both the infections than females. Liver function test results correlated well with viral markers indicating damage to the liver parenchyma. The socioeconomic status of the individuals revealed that 95% of the subjects were below poverty line and didn’t have access to proper drinking water and sanitary facilities. None were vaccinated against Hepatitis A virus. Conclusion: The present data suggest that we need to have a dual pronged approach against prevention of acute viral hepatitis caused by A and E virus. Government authorities should prioritize on bringing a uniform improvement in the living standards of the society and make vaccine available to the high risk group at a subsidized rate.

Changes in the seroprevalence of IgG anti-hepatitis A virus between 2001 and 2013: experience at a single center in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The incidence of symptomatic hepatitis A reportedly increased among 20- to 40-year-old Korean during the late 2000s. Vaccination against hepatitis A was commenced in the late 1990s and was extended to children aged <10 years. In the present study we analyzed the changes in the seroprevalence of IgG anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) over the past 13 years. METHODS: Overall, 4903 subjects who visited our hospital between January 2001 and December 2013 were studied. The seroprevalence of IgG anti-HAV was analyzed according to age and sex. In addition, the seroprevalence of IgG anti-HAV was compared among 12 age groups and among the following time periods: early 2000s (2001-2003), mid-to-late 2000s (2006-2008), and early 2010s (2011-2013). The chi-square test for trend was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of IgG anti-HAV did not differ significantly between the sexes. Furthermore, compared to the seroprevalence of IgG anti-HAV in the early 2000s and mid-to-late 2000s, that in the early 2010s was markedly increased among individuals aged 1-14 years and decreased among those aged 25-44 years (P<0.01). We also found that the seroprevalence of IgG anti-HAV in individuals aged 25-44 years in the early 2010s was lower than that in the early 2000s and mid-to-late 2000s. CONCLUSIONS: The number of symptomatic HAV infection cases in Korea is decreasing, but the seroprevalence of IgG anti-HAV is low in the active population.

Cost-utility analysis on universal childhood hepatitis A vaccination in regions with different anti-HAV prevalence rates of China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To explore the inputs and outputs of areas with different anti-HAY prevalence rates on universal childhood vaccination,and to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of the immunization strategy.Methods Since hepatitis A vaccination was scheduled at 12 and 18 months of age for all the healthy children,a single cohort including 1 000 000 individuals was formed in 2009,using the Chinese inactivated vaccine.Decision analysis was used to build Markov-decision tree model.The universal childhood hepatitis A vaccination was compared with nonvaccination group to evaluate the number of symptomatic infection,hospitalization,death,qualityadjusted life years (QALYs) lost,and the incremental cost-utility from the health system and the societal perspectives.Outcomes of the vaccination for the next 70 years were also predicted.The process of analysis was run separately in five regions defined by the anti-HAV prevalence rates (around 50％,50％-69％,70％-79％,80％-89％ and ＞90％ ).Sensitivity analysis was performed to test the stability or reliability of the results,and to identify sensitive variables.Results The study projected that,in the lowest,lower,and intermediate infection regions,the cost and output indicators of universal childhood hepatitis A vaccination were all lower than non-vaccinated group.Universal vaccination could gain QALYs and save both costs from the health systen or the society.In the regions with higher infection rate,the output indicators of universal childhood hepatitis A vaccination were lower than in those non-vaccinated groups,except for the number of death due to hepatitis A,which had a 20 cases of increase.The model also predicted that in the highest infected region,universal vaccination would increase 4 560 814 and 5 840 430 RMB Yuan in the total costs from both the health system and the societies,respectively,when compared to the non-vaccination groups.Universal vaccination would also decrease the numbers of symptomatic infection,hospitalization,and QALYs lost,but would increase 51 deaths due to hepatitis A,and 1507,1929 more RMB Yuan for each QALY gained from the health system and societal respectively,in the regions with highest infection rate.Sensitivity analyses discovered that the infection rate among those susceptible population and the proportion of those who initially under protection but subsequently lost their immunity every year,were the two main sensitive variables in the model.Conclusion Our research discovered that the universal vaccination strategy should be based on the protective period of the vaccine and the anti-HAV prevalence in different endemic areas.

Optimal time for repeating the IgM anti-hepatitis A virus antibody test in acute hepatitis A patients with a negative initial test / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The nonspecific clinical presentation of acute hepatitis A (AHA) mandates the detection of anti-hepatitis A virus IgM antibodies (IgM anti-HAV) in the serum for obtaining a definitive diagnosis. However, IgM anti-HAV might not be present during the early phase of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal time for repeating the IgM anti-HAV test (HAV test) in AHA patients with a negative initial test. METHODS: In total, 261 patients hospitalized with AHA were enrolled for this retrospective study. AHA was diagnosed when the test for IgM anti-HAV was positive and the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was > or =400 IU/L. Repeat HAV test was conducted after 1-2 weeks if the initial HAV test was negative but AHA was still clinically suspected. RESULTS: The results of the initial HAV test were negative in 28 (10.7%) patients. The intervals from symptom onset to the initial-HAV-test day and from the peak-ALT day to the initial-HAV-test day were significantly shorter in the negative-initial-HAV-test group, but on multivariate analysis only the latter was significantly associated with negative results for the initial HAV test (beta=-0.978; odds ratio [95% confidence interval]=0.376 [0.189-0.747]; P=0.005). The HAV test was positive in all patients when it was performed at least 2 days after the peak-ALT day. CONCLUSIONS: The results of HAV tests were significantly associated with the interval from the peak-ALT day to the HAV-test day. The optimal time for repeating the HAV test in clinically suspicious AHA patients with a negative initial HAV test appears to be at least 2 days after the peak-ALT day.

Incidencia de la infección por el virus de la hepatitis A diagnosticadas en la ciudad de Maracaibo estado Zulia Venezuela / Incidence of infection by the hepatitis A virus diagnosed in the city of Maracaibo state Zulia Venezuela

La infección por el virus de la hepatitis A (VHA) sigue siendo un problema de salud pública en los países en vías de desarrollo. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la incidencia de la infección por el VHA en individuos de la ciudad de Maracaibo, estado Zulia, Venezuela. Durante el periodo comprendido entre enero 2004 a diciembre 2007 se seleccionaron 1056 pacientes en edades de 1 a 60 años de ambos sexos (media ± DS: 27,48 ± 5,24), procedentes de los municipio Maracaibo y San Francisco ubicados en la ciudad de Maracaibo estado Zulia, Venezuela. La presencia de anticuerpos anti-IgM contra el virus de la hepatitis A se determinó mediante métodos convencionales de micro partículas enzimoinmunoanalisis (MEIA). Los resultados encontrados indican una seropositividad en 73 (35,1%), 76 (28%), 66 (24,3%), 35 (20,3%) individuos de las zonas Norte, Sur, Este, Oeste respectivamente, correspondientes al municipio Maracaibo y 31 (23,3%) correspondiente al municipio San Francisco. La mayor prevalencia fue observada en pacientes del sexo femenino menor de 20 años (47,3%), y en pacientes del sexo masculino menor de 10 años (53,7%), siendo el signo clínico más frecuente la ictericia (95,7%). Las deficientes medidas de saneamiento ambiental y sanitario fueron factores aparentemente determinantes en la diseminación del VHA

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection continues to be a public health problem in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine incidence of the hepatitis A virus infection in a population from Maracaibo, Venezuela. From January, 2004 until December, 2007, this study was carried out on 1056 individuals, whose ages were between 1-60 years (average ± DS: 27.48 ± 5.24 years), coming from the Maracaibo and San Francisco municipalities, Venezuela. The IgM antibody against HAV was determined by the ELISA technique. The overall incidence was 26.6%. The North, South, East and West areas of the Maracaibo Municipality and the San Francisco Municipality in the city of Maracaibo showed incidences of 73 (35.1%), 76 (28%), 66 (24.3%), 35 (20.3%) and 31 (23.3%), respectively. The highest incidences were observed in females under 20 years (47.3%) and males under 10 years (53.7%). The most frequent clinical sign was jaundice in 95.7% of patients. Deficient sanitary conditions and hygiene habits seemed to be the main risk factors in spreading HAV infection

Seroprevalence of IgG Anti-HAV in Hospital Employees below 40 Years Old / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatitis A is an acute infectious disease transmitted by fecal-oral route. As the incidence of hepatitis A has been increased in Gwangju and Chonnam province of Korea recently, the number of hepatitis A patients in hospital employees has also increased. Thus, we investigated the seroprevalence of IgG anti-HAV in hospital employees below 40 years old. METHODS: We analysed the seroprevalence of anti-HAV IgG from 1,002 Chonnam national university hospital empolyees (men: 190, women: 812) who were below 40 years old. The age group was divided by 5 years; 21-25 years old 199 (19.9%), 26-30 years old 426 (42.5%), 31-35 years old 215 (21.5%), 36-40 years old 162 (16.1%). RESULTS: Overall seropositive rate of IgG anti-HAV was 32.8% (329/1,002). The seropositive rate of men was 40.5% (77/190) and that of women was 31.0% (252/812). The seropositive rates of each age group were 1.5% (3/199) in 21-25 years old, 21.6% (92/426) in 26-30 years old, 48.4% (104/215) in 31-35 years old, and 80.2% (130/162) in 36-40 years old. The seropositivity rate of the high risk group (doctors, nurses, technicians) was 28.9% (234/809). CONCLUSIONS: The seropositive rate of IgG anti-HAV was the lowest in early twenties of hospital employees and below 50% in early thirties. Therefore, hepatitis A vaccination may be warranted in the hospital empolyees below the early thirties.

Sero-positivity of Anti-HAV IgG in Young Hospital Workers / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the transmission of hepatitis A virus (HAV) through transfusion has been rare; however, recently there has been a case reported in Korea along with a recent increase in the number of HAV infections. In order to provide baseline information regarding sero-positivity of HAV in healthcare workers (HCWs), we tested for the presence of anti-HAV IgG antibodies in hospital employees who were under 40 years old. Data of HCWs as blood donors was analyzed to help management of blood donors. METHODS: Between July and August 2009, we measured anti-HAV IgG antibodies in HCWs who were in their twenties to thirties, using Architect i2000 (Abbott, Chicago, USA). Sero-positivity was obtained according to age and gender. RESULTS: A total of 1824 HCWs participated in this study, and sero-positivity was significantly different by age; 1.8% (5/275) in the 20~24 year old range, 6.7% (44/661) in the 25~29 year old range, 29.7% (159/536) in the 30~34 year old range, and 57.1% (201/352) in the 35~39 year old range. However, there was no significant difference according to gender. CONCLUSION: Sero-positivity of the anti-HAV IgG antibody was low in HCWs under 30 years old. Therefore, vaccination against HAV in this population should be fortified with respect to blood donor management. Moreover, an improved system of recording history with respect to early symptoms of HAV infection as well as vaccination history may be helpful in preventing the transmission of HAV through transfusion.

An Epidemiological Analysis of Hepatitis A Virus Serologic Markers during the Recent Four Years in Korea / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: To establish effective preventive measures for hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, a nationwide epidemiologic study on seroprevalence of anti-HAV and the disease prevalence is needed. The aim of this study was to analyze the recent sero-epidemiological changes of hepatitis A markers in Korea. METHODS: The results of 11,068 anti-HAV total and 32,360 anti-HAV IgM tests by electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) that had been requested in recent four years (2005-2008) to a reference medical laboratory from 1,699 institutions nationwide were retrospectively analyzed according to the distribution of year, sex, and age groups. RESULTS: The overall positive rate of anti-HAV total was 62.8%. The overall positive rate of anti-HAV IgM was 11.0%, showing a significantly increasing trend by year: 7.7%, 10.9%, 8.9%, and 14.3% in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008, respectively (P or =21 yr. Conclusion: In accordance with a decreasing sero-positivity of anti-HAV total, the prevalence of acute hepatitis A virus infection has been considerably increased during the recent four years in the age groups of > or =21 yr. The results of this study could be used effectively as a basic data for establishing effective preventive measures for hepatitis A including vaccination in these susceptible age groups.

Comparison of Recent IgG Anti-HAV Prevalence between Two Hospitals in Seoul and Gyeonggi area / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recently, the incidence of acute hepatitis A has increased nationwide and is related to the low rate of IgG anti-HAV. This study compared the prevalence of IgG anti-HAV in two university hospitals located in a large city and in a small city including a rural region according to age, gender, and the year of diagnosis. METHODS: IgG anti-HAV was measured in a total of 4299 patients, who visited Seoul or Guri Hanyang University Hospital between January 2002 and December 2006. RESULTS: The positive rates of the antibody in Seoul and Guri hospitals were 52.7% vs 57.1% in under the age of 1, 40.7% vs 42.2% in age of 1 to 4, 31.8% vs 30.3% in age of 5 to 9, 24.8% vs 27.1% in age of 10 to 14, 11.6% vs 18.2% in age of 15 to 19, 23.0% vs 20.3% in age of 20 to 24, 40.5% vs 42.9% in age of 25 to 29, 67.5% vs 75.0% in age of 30 to 34, 86.5% vs 88.1% in age of 35 to 39, 95.3% vs 93.6% in age of 40 to 44, 97.0% vs 98.7% in age of 45 to 49, and 98.5% vs 98.6% in patients who were more than 50, respectively. The positive rates of the antibody were not significantly different between two sites according to each age group and gender. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed the low rates of IgG anti-HAV, particularly in the ages of 10-24 that match the age group of recently increased incidence of acute hepatitis A nationwide. Therefore, measurement of the antibody and vaccination should be considered in this age group.

A seroepidemiologic and it's 1 year follow up study on anti HAV IgG for college students living in dormitory

BACKGROUND: In korea, Improvements of standards of hygiene, sanitation and water supply led to a significant reduction in the endemicity of HAV infection, so that hepatitis A outbreaks have shifted from children to adolescents and young adults. Hepatitis A infection becomes more symptomatic with increasing age. We studied Hepatitis A antibody prevalence in college students, who start living a active life in a community. Hepatitis A infection is primarily by the fecal oral route transmitted disease by either person to person contact or ingestion of contaminated food or water. So, We studied follow up prevalance of anti HAV IgG in college students who were living together in dormitory during 1 year. METHODS: The 668 serum samples were obtained from college students living in dormitory, Kangung National University during the period of May 2nd through 5th, 1999. For follow up study, the 158 serum samples were obtained from this group during the period of May, 2000. Anti HAV IgG was measured by HAVAB radioimmunoassy. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence rate of anti HAV IgG was 16.3% in 1999. According to age, the anti HAV IgG positive rate was increase with age, 10.5% in 18 years, 12.4% in 19 years, 15.9% in 20 years, 22.5% in 21 years, 27.9% in 22 26 years. The seroprevalence of anti HAV IgG was increase with year of university entrance, but not different with sex, department of college and number of family. The anti HAV IgG positive rate in urban group(14.7%) of native place was lower than in rural group(21.5%). Seroconversion rate of negative anti HAV IgG was only 1.3% during I year. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus was a dramtic drop among adolescent and young adulthood in korea. Natural acquisition of HAV antibody rarely occurs during 1 year in living condition such as dormitory.

Prevalence and Persistence of Transferred Maternal Hepatitis. A Antibody During The Second Year of Life in Korean Infants / 감염

BACKGROUND: Although the incidence of hepatitis A infection has dramatically declined in developed countries, it is still endemic in many of developing countries, and sporadic outbreak has developed in many middle classed endemic area. Many reports indicate that hepatitis A vaccine would have to be used for widespread immunization of infants, who live in endemic or non-endemic region, for eliminating this infection from circulation. Therefor, the optimal immunization schedule and dose of vaccine should be determined. Recent several studies suggested that high dose hepatitis A vaccination at the time of disappearance of maternal antibody promise protectable immunogenicity in infants. The purpose of our study to find out the prevalence and persistence of maternal HAV antibodies in Korean infants (below 2 years old age). METHODS: 60 mother without past-history of hepatitis A, and 300 heathy infants without history of hepatitis A vaccination and intra-familial contact history of hepatitis A were enrolled in this study. The infants below 2 years old age were classified into 5 groups as following; 0~3 months, 4~6 months, 7~9 months, 10~12 months, 13~24 months, and the number of each group were 60 and sex distribution of each group was equal. Positive rates of Anti-HAV were determined by ELISA. And comparisons of seroprevalence of anti- HAV between groups were analyzed by ANOVA repeated t-test. RESULTS: The seropositive rate of maternal group was 81.7%, and the seropositive rate of 0~3 months of age group was 43.3%. The seroprevalence of anti- HAV significantly declined after 4~6 months of age, and reached below 10% at the age of 7~9 months of age and the low rate of anti-HAV maintained until 2 years old age. And positive rates of anti-HAV showed no significant differences between males and females. CONCLUSION: The results of our study showed that the seroprevalence of anti-HAV significantly declined after 4~6 months of age and the anti-HAV almostly disappeared at 7~9 months of age. So, low seropositive rate of anti-HAV at 7 months of age may justify trials on infant vaccination in Korea.

A seroepidemiological study of anti-HAV IgG in korean combat policemen / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Hepaitis A virus(HAV) infection occurs commonly during early childhood. Recent improvements in sanitation and hygiene have resulted in a decrease in HAV infection among children, while the clinical illness of hepatitis A and prevalence of antibody to HAV(anti-HAV IgG) have been increased, particularly in the 3rd decade of young male adults. We studied a seroepidemiology of anti-HAV IgG in combat policemen who were living together during their service in the combat police force. METHODS: We measured anti-HAV IgG(HAVAB, Abbott) from 1,009 healthy subjects with no history of transfusion of any blood products during the last 6 months. The mean age was 20.8 years. RESULTS: Overall, anti-HAV IgG was detected in 30.2% of study subjects. According to age, the positive rates of antibody were 15.7%, 25.9%, 31.5%, 38.1%, 43.5%, and 50.0% in 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 years respectively. The positive rates of anti-HAV IgG as to period of service were 17.3%, 28.1%, 40.9% in 0 month, 1-12 months, 13-24 months respectively. The positive rates of anti-HAV IgG were 27.0% in the urban group, 39.8% in the rural group. CONCLUSION: The positive rates of anti-HAV IgG in our data low compared with those of previous reports. We think that group living condition such as living in dormitories or barracks can be a risk factors for hepatitis A infection and that improvements to the sanitary system and active immunization would be necessary for prevention of it.

Seroepidemiology of Hepatitis A in Taejon, Korea 1996

PURPOSE: We experienced an outbreak of hepatitis A in Taejon, Korea for the summer of 1996. Recently a shift in hepatitis A incidence from children to adults has been well noted in Korea. For the purpose of possible measures in preventing hepatitis A, we studied a seroepidemiology of hepatitis A in Taejon. METHODS: We measured IgG anti-HAV antibody (HAVAB MEIA, Abbott) from 722 randomly collected sera of neonates (cord blood) to 70-years-olds and older. RESULTS: The prevalence of anti-HAV in neonates was 90.2%, 80.0% in 1-6 months, 34.7% in 7-12 months, 8.7% in 1-5 years, 0% in 6-10 years, 1.8% in 11-15 years, 29.3% in 16-20 years, 62.6% in 21-30 years, and nearly 100% in 31 years and older. In order to evaluate the time lossed transferring anti-HAV IgG from the mother, we analyzed 142 children aged 1 month to 24 months with 2-month intervals. The results were 81.3% in 1-2 months, 84.2% in 3-4 months, 80.0% in 5-6 months, 55.6% in 7-8 months, 23.1% in 9-10 months, 33.3% in 11-12 months, 8.3% in 13-14 months, 16.7% in 15-16 months, 0% in 17-18 months, 0% 19-20 months, 14.3% in 21-22 months, and 0% in 23-24 months. In order to estimate the rough conversion time of anti-HAV in the Taejon population, we analyzed 99 adults in their twenties with 2-year intervals. The positive rate of anti-HAV was 41.7% in 21-22 years, 69.2% 23-24 years, 63.0% in 25-26 years, 61.5% in 27-28 years,and 100% in 29-30 years. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the prevalence of hepatitis A in children has changed compare to the past 10-20 years and the possibility of another outbreak and/or increasing incidence of apparent hepatitis A in adults in the Taejon area or any other place in Korea is possible. The preventive modalities including hepatitis A vaccination or immune serum globulin against children and young adults at risk is necessary.

Hepatite viral A: frequência de positividade para anticorpos das classes IgG e IgM sgundo faixa etária e tremestre sazonal (São Paulo, SP/1996) / HV virus: positivity frequency of anti-HAV antibodies IgG (HAV-G) and IgM (HAV-M)

Foram analisados os resultados dos testes imunoenzimáticos ELISA (Roche Diagnóstica) para anticorpos anti-HAV das classes IgG (HAV-G) e IgM (HAV-M) obtidos no período de dezembro de 1995 a novembro de 1996. Os 1177 pacientes estavam assim distribuídos: 1042 (88,5%) adultos (≥ 15 anos), sendo 49,4% do sexo masculino e 50,6% feminino, e 135 crianças (54,1% masculino e 45,9% feminino). Foram obtidos os seguintes índices de positividade para HAV-G: 76,2% para adultos (77,5% dos homens e 75,0% das mulheres) e 48,9% para as crianças (56,2% entre os meninos e 40,3% entre as meninas). Os adultos apresentaram maior frequência de positividade que as crianças (p<0,05). O contrário foi observado para anticorpos IgM: 4,6% de positividade para adultos e 29,6% entre as crianças.