Vacinação universal contra hepatite A no Brasil: análise da cobertura vacinal e da incidência cinco anos após a implantação do programa / Universal hepatitis A vaccination in Brazil: analysis of vaccination coverage and incidence five years after program implementation

RESUMO: Introdução: Em 2014, o Brasil introduziu programa de imunização universal contra o vírus da hepatite A (HAV) para crianças no segundo ano de vida, por meio de dose única da vacina de vírus inativado. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a cobertura vacinal (CV) contra o HAV no Brasil, diante da incidência de casos notificados cinco anos após a implantação do programa. Metodologia: Dados secundários foram obtidos pesquisando-se sítios eletrônicos de acesso livre do Ministério da Saúde, Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS), para análise de incidência e CV. Resultados: A CV variou entre 60,13 e 97,07%. A homogeneidade da CV contra hepatite A nos estados ficou aquém da meta estabelecida. Após 2015, houve queda da CV em todas as regiões do país. Apesar da cobertura insuficiente, houve redução concomitante da incidência da hepatite A em todo o Brasil. A taxa de incidência caiu de 3,29 para 0,80/100 mil entre 2014 e 2018. No entanto, ocorreu diminuição da velocidade de queda da incidência entre 2017 e 2018, o que pode ser consequência dos percentuais insuficientes de CV. Esse fenômeno parece acompanhar tendência geral de enfraquecimento do esforço vacinal no país, verificado também para outras vacinas, como poliomielite e tríplice viral. Conclusão: Esses números sugerem a necessidade de esforços para melhorar as taxas de CV da hepatite A no país.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: In 2014, Brazil introduced a universal immunization program against the hepatitis A virus (HAV) for children in the second year of life, using a single dose of inactivated virus vaccine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the vaccination coverage (VC) against HAV in Brazil, against the incidence of cases reported five years after the implementation of the program. Methodology: Secondary data were obtained by searching free access electronic sites of the Ministry of Health, Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde - DATASUS), for incidence analysis and VC from 2014 to 2018. Results: VC ranged from 60.13 to 97.07%. The homogeneity of VC against hepatitis A did not reach the established goal throughout all states but for a few exceptions. After 2015, CV decreased in all regions of the country. Despite insufficient coverage, a concomitant reduction in the incidence of Hepatitis A took place throughout the country. The incidence rate fell from 3.29 to 0.80/100,000 between 2014 and 2018. However, there was an interruption in the pace of incidence fall between 2017 and 2018, which may be a consequence of insufficient VC. This phenomenon seems to be part of a widespread downward trend in vaccination effort across the country, also verified for other vaccines, such as poliomyelitis and measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Conclusion: These figures suggest the need for implementing efforts to improve hepatitis A VC rates in the country.

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.

Opinión del Comité Consultivo de Inmunizaciones de la Sociedad Chilena de Infectología en relación a los brotes de hepatitis A en Chile / Statement of the Advisory Committee on Immunizations of Sociedad Chilena de Infectología about outbreaks of hepatitis A in Chile

Resumen El presente documento corresponde a la opinión del Comité Consultivo de Inmunizaciones de la Sociedad Chilena de Infectología, en relación a los brotes de hepatitis A en Chile. Las recomendaciones emitidas se basan en antecedentes epidemiológicos, características de la infección por virus hepatitis A(VHA) y en la experiencia mundial con las vacunas disponibles En relación a la infección por virus hepatitis A, Chile ha transitado de una endemia alta a una endemia intermedia, concentrándose actualmente los casos en personas mayores de 15 años, con brotes frequentes, uno de ellos este año causado por el genotipo 1A del VHA que se concentró en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). La endemia actual, la presencia de brotes regulares, la frecuencia de desastres naturales en el país como terremotos e inundaciones sumado a la disponibilidad de vacunas eficaces, seguras y con estudios de costo efectividad locales, nos llevan a plantear medidas para el control de brotes, medidas focalizadas en grupos de riesgo y especialmente medidas a mediano y largo plazo, que incluyen la vacunación universal de niños contra esta enfermedad.

This document represents the position of the Chilean Infectious Diseases Society Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices regarding hepatitis A epidemiological situation in Chile. The recommendations are based on local epidemiological data, the hepatitis A virus infection characteristics and the global experience with the available vaccines. In relation to hepatitis A, Chile is no longer a highly endemic area but actually an intermediate one, currently concentrating cases in individuals over 15 years of age, with frequent outbreaks. In 2017 we have seen an important outbreak of genotype 1A in men who have sex with men (MSM). The current endemic, the presence of regular outbreaks, the frequency of natural disasters in Chile, together with the availability of safe, effective vaccines and local cost-effectiveness studies led us to propose measures for outbreak control for high risk groups protection and mid and long term, including a more definitive solution which is universal vaccination against this disease in small children.

Hepatitis A seroprevalence in public school children in Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, prior to the introduction of the hepatitis A universal childhood vaccination / Soroprevalência da hepatite A em crianças de escolas públicas em Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, antes da introdução da vacinação infantil universal / Seroprevalencia de la hepatitis A en niños de escuelas públicas en Campos dos Goytacazes, Río de Janeiro, Brasil, antes de la introducción de la vacunación infantil universal

Abstract: This cross-sectional study was carried out between August 2011 and July 2012 in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Dried blood spot samples were collected on filter paper from 919 individuals between the ages of 1 and 19 and were tested for antibodies against the hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV). The total prevalence was 20.7%, while 94.7% of children under the age of 5 were found to be susceptible to HAV infection. The prevalence of anti-HAV increased with age, reaching 33.3% among individuals aged between 15 and 19, thereby indicating that this municipality has a low level of endemicity for hepatitis A. Age, non-white skin color, accustomed to swimming in the river and more than five people living at home were the factors that were associated with an increase in the chance of a positive anti-HAV result. Mother's education level (secondary or tertiary) was considered a protective factor for HAV infection. The data obtained showed that a large proportion of the children from Campos dos Goytacazes were at risk of HAV infection, which should be minimized with the introduction of the vaccination program against hepatitis A that was launched in the municipality in 2011.

Resumo: Estudo do corte transversal, realizado entre agosto de 2011 e julho de 2012 em Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Amostras de sangue capilar em papel de filtro foram coletadas de 919 indivíduos com idade entre 1 e 19 anos e testadas para anticorpos para o vírus da hepatite A (anti-HAV). A prevalência total foi de 20,7% e 94,7% das crianças abaixo de 5 anos foi suscetível a infecção pelo HAV. A prevalência de anti-HAV aumentou com a idade, alcançando 33,3% entre indivíduos com 15 a 19 anos, caracterizando este município com um nível baixo de endemicidade para hepatite A. Idade, cor da pele não-branca, hábito de nadar no rio e número de moradores na residência acima de 5 foram associados com o aumento de chance de ser positivo para anti-HAV. O nível educacional materno (médio ou superior) foi considerado como fator de proteção para a infecção pelo HAV. Os dados obtidos mostraram que uma grande parte das crianças de Campos dos Goytacazes estava sob risco de infecção pelo HAV, o que deve ser minimizado com o programa de vacinação contra hepatite A implantado em 2011 no município.

Resumen: Estudio de corte transversal, realizado entre agosto de 2011 y julio de 2012 en Campos dos Goytacazes, Río de Janeiro, Brasil. Se recogieron muestras de sangre capilar en papel de filtro de 919 individuos con una edad entre 1 y 19 años y testadas para anticuerpos del virus de la hepatitis A (anti-HAV). La prevalencia total fue de un 20,7% y un 94,7% de los niños por debajo de los 5 años fue susceptible a la infección por el HAV. La prevalencia de anti-HAV aumentó con la edad, alcanzando un 33,3% entre individuos con 15 a 19 años, caracterizando este municipio con un nivel bajo de endemicidad para la hepatitis A. Edad, color de piel no-blanca, hábito de nadar en el río y un número de ocupantes en la residencia de más de 5 se asociaron con el aumento de oportunidad de ser positivo para anti-HAV. El nivel educacional materno (medio o superior) se consideró como un factor de protección para la infección por el HAV. Los datos obtenidos mostraron que una gran parte de los niños de Campos dos Goytacazes estaba bajo riesgo de infección por el HAV, lo que debe ser minimizado con el programa de vacunación contra la hepatitis A implantado en 2011 en el municipio.

Situação Epidemiológica da hepatite A em Goiás / Epidemiological situation of hepatitis A in Goiás

A hepatite pelo vírus A é uma doença autolimitante do fígado, de um modo geral com evolução boa para cura, cuja gravidade aumenta com a idade. No Brasil, a notificação compulsória da hepatite A teve início em 1996. No período de 2007 até a semana epidemiológica n° 31 de 2014, em Goiás, foram notificados 46500 casos suspeitos de hepatites virais. O documento analisa número de casos e incidência, por sexo e ano e de casos por regional de saúde de residência em Goiás. O Ministério da Saúde introduziu no calendário nacional de vacinação a vacina contra a Hepatite A, para crianças a partir de 12 meses até menores de 2 anos. Além da garantia de água e condições sanitárias adequadas para a população, outro desafio apresentado nas ações de controle da doença, a garantia da manutenção de cobertura vacinal de acordo com a meta preconizada, 95%, e de forma homogênea nos municípios.

Hepatitis A virus is a self-limiting disease of the liver, generally with good evolution to cure, the severity of which increases with age. In Brazil, compulsory notification of hepatitis A began in 1996. From 2007 to epidemiological week no. 31 of 2014, in Goiás, 46,500 suspected cases of viral hepatitis were reported. The document analyzes the number of cases and incidence, by sex and year and by regional health of residence in Goiás. The Ministry of Health has introduced hepatitis A vaccine to the national vaccination calendar for children from 12 months to under 2 years of age. In addition to ensuring adequate water and sanitary conditions for the population, another challenge presented in disease control actions, the guarantee of the maintenance of vaccination coverage according to the recommended target, 95%, and homogeneously in the municipalities.

La introducción de la vacuna contra la hepatitis A en el Calendario Nacional de Vacunación: una nueva realidad / Hepatitis A immunisation in the argentinean mandatory schedule

La hepatitis A (HA) presenta una evolución benigna, pero en ocasiones puede causar una insuficiencia hepática aguda con necesidad de trasplante. En 2003, en un consenso realizado en la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría, se recomendó la incorporación de la vacuna contra la HA en el calendario nacional. Esto se concretó por decreto ministerial y se efectivizó a partir del 1 de junio de 2005, con la obligación de aplicar una dosis de la vacuna a todos los niños al año de edad. Desde entonces, se registró una disminución marcada de casos y no se documentaron cuadros de insuficiencia hepática aguda desde el año 2006. Los estudios de seguimiento mostraron, hasta el momento, una circulación viral baja y la persistencia de anticuerpos hasta los 5 años posteriores a su introducción.

Hepatitis A (HA) presents a benign evolution, but occasionally some patients develop a more severe disease. Previously to 2005 hepatitis A was an important cause of acute liver failure (ALF) and hepatic transplant. In 2003, a consensus in the Argentinian Pediatrics Society was done; it had just recommended the inclusion of the vaccine in the mandatory immunisation schedule. This was issued by the Health Ministery, and was applied on June 1st, 2005. The schedule was one dose at the age of one year of age. Since then, an important reduction of HA was registered, without any case of ALF since 2006. Follow-up studies so far showed low viral circulation and persistence of antibodies to 5 years later.

Factors Associated with Vaccination among Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients in Korea / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vaccinations are generally recommended in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, several studies showed low rates of vaccinations in IBD patients. Furthermore, vaccination rate among IBD patients in Korea has never been investigated. We investigated the vaccination rate among IBD patients in Korea and evaluated some factors that might affect the vaccination rate. METHODS: From November 2011 to February 2012, a total of 192 patients with IBD who visited Samsung Medical Center (Seoul, Korea) answered the IRB-approved questionnaire. The questionnaire included their sex, age, residence, past medical history, type of IBD, duration of illness, medications, history of vaccination about measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), varicella, tetanus-diphtheria (Td), influenza, hepatitis A and B, pneumococcus and human papilloma virus (HPV). RESULTS: One hundred twenty one (63.0%) male and 71 (37.0%) female answered the questionnaire. The mean age of the enrolled patients was 39.7 (18-76) years. Eighty four patients (43.8%) had ulcerative colitis and 108 patients (56.3%) had Crohn's disease (CD). The percentage of the patients who had got vaccination was 42.2% for MMR, 34.9% for varicella, 15.6% for Td, 37.5% for influenza, 15.6% for hepatitis A, 52.6% for hepatitis B, 6.3% for pneumococcus and 11.3% for HPV respectively. Not knowing the necessity or the existence were the common reasons for non-vaccination. Age less than 40 years, CD patients and duration of illness less than 10 years were associated with a higher vaccination rate (p=0.002, 0.015 and 0.020, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Immunization rates for recommended vaccinations were very low in patients with IBD. Efforts to improve vaccination rate are needed.

Declining prevalence of hepatitis A virus antibodies among children from low socioeconomic groups reinforces the need for the implementation of hepatitis A vaccination in Brazil

Age-related seroprevalence studies that have been conducted in Brazil have indicated a transition from a high to a medium endemicity of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in the population. However, most of these studies have focused on urban populations that experience lower incidence rates of HAV infection. In the current study, the prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies was investigated in children with a low socioeconomic status (SES) that live on the periphery of three capital cities in Brazil. A total of 1,162 dried blood spot samples were collected from individuals whose ages ranged from one-18 years and tested for anti-HAV antibodies. A large number of children under five years old (74.1-90%) were identified to be susceptible to HAV infection. The anti-HAV antibody prevalence reached ≥ 50% among those that were 10-14 years of age or older. The anti-HAV prevalence rates observed were characteristics of regions with intermediate level of hepatitis A endemicity. These data indicated that a large proportion of children with a low SES that live at the periphery of urban cities might be at risk of contracting an HAV infection. The hepatitis A vaccine that is currently offered in Brazil is only available for high-risk groups or at private clinics and is unaffordable for individuals with a lower SES. The results from this study suggest that the hepatitis A vaccine should be included in the Brazilian National Program for Immunisation.

Prevención de hepatitis A mediante vacunación en Uruguay (2005-2010) / Preventing hepatitis A through immunization in Uruguay

Introducción: la hepatitis A es un problema sanitario en países en vías de desarrollo. Objetivos: describir estrategias para controlar hepatitis A mediante vacunación. Describir evolución de número de casos, tasas y brotes entre 2005-2010. Material y método: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo 2005-2010. Se analizan:-Estrategias utilizadas por Ministerio de Salud Pública (MSP) para controlar hepatitis A mediante vacunación: bloqueo de brotes; población de riesgo e inclusión universal de vacuna. Descripción: número de casos de hepatitis A en Uruguay y Artigas; número de brotes en ciudades, barrios, familia y otros; número de casos/edad.Resultados: se registraron 21 brotes. Se aplicaron 16.715 primeras dosis y 11.354 segundas dosis. Entre el 10 de setiembre de 2007 y el 26 de noviembre de 2007, el MSP y el Ministerio de Desarrollo Social realizaron una campaña de vacunacióndirigida a niños de entre 1 y 5 años del subsector público. Docentes y estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad de la República apoyaron y difundieron la campaña. Se aplicaron44.716 primeras dosis y 25.095 segundas dosis. En 2008 se incluye la vacuna en dos dosis en el esquema de vacunación, obligatoria y gratuita. La tasa país disminuyó de 69,6 a 2,7 entre 2005 y 2010 (p<0,05); en el Departamento de Artigas de 780,57/100.000 en 2005 a 0,66 en 2010 (p<0,05). Durante 2005-2008 ocurrieron 22 brotes en ciudades; en 2010 se registraron escasos brotes intrafamiliares y en escuelas. El descenso de número de casos de 2005 a 2010 fue significativo en todas las edades. Comentario: del 2005 al 2010 se produjo una disminución significativay sostenida del número de brotes y tasas de hepatitis A en Uruguay.

Introduction: Hepatitis A is a health problem in developing countries.Objectives: To describe strategies to control Hepatitis A through immunization. To describe the evolutionof the number of cases, rates and outbreaks from 2005 through 2010.Method: Retrospective descriptive study covering the 2005-2010 period of time. The following was analysed:- Strategies used by the Ministry of Public Health to control Hepatitis A through immunization: blocking ofoutbreaks; population at risk; universal immunization. - Description: Number of cases of Hepatitis A in Uruguay, and in the department of Artigas; number ofoutbreaks in cities, neighborhoods, families and other; number of cases/age.Results: 21 outbreaks were recorded. 16.715 first doses and 11.354 second doses were applied. From 10 September, 2007 through 26 November, 2007 the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Social Developmentconducted an immunization campaign aimed at children in the public sub-sector who were between 1 and 5 years old. Professors at the School of Medicine of the University of the Republic and medical students supported and contributed to the dissemination of the campaign. 44.716 first doses and 25.095 second doses were applied. In 2008 the two dose vaccine is included in the mandatory and free immunization plan. The national rate dropped from 69.6 to 2.7 from 2005 through 2010 (p<0,05); and in the department ofArtigas from 780.57/100.000 in 2005 to 0.66 in 2010 (p<0,05). Between 2005 and 2008 there were 22 outbreaks in cities, in 2010 few intra-family outbreaks and in schools were registered. The decrease in the number of cases from 2005 through 2010 was significant for all ages. Comment: A significant and sustained decrease ofHepatitis A outbreaks and rates was evidenced in Uruguay from 2005 through 2010.

Introdução: a hepatite A é um problema sanitário nos países em vias de desenvolvimento. Objetivos: Descrever estratégias para controlar hepatiteAporvacinação. Descrever a evolução do número de casos, taxas e surtos entre 2005-2010. Material e método: estudo descritivo retrospectivo 2005-2010. Foram analisadas: - Estratégias utilizadas pelo Ministério de Salud Pública (MSP) para controlar a hepatite A por vacinação: bloqueio de surtos; população de risco; inclusão universal da vacina. - Descrição: número de casos de hepatite A no Uruguai e especificamente no departamento de Artigas; número de surtos en cidades, bairros, famílias e outros; número de casos/idade. Resultados: foram registrados 21 surtos. Foram aplicadas16.715 primeiras doses e 11.354 segundas doses. Entre o dia 10 de setembro de 2007 e o dia 26 de novembro de 2007, o MSP e o Ministério de Desenvolvimento Social realizaram una campanha de vacinação dirigida acrianças entre 1 e 5 anos do setor público. Docentes e estudantesde Medicina da Universidad de la República apoiaram e difundiram a campanha. Foram aplicadas 44.716 primeiras doses e 25.095 segundas doses. Em 2008 a vacina em duas doses foi incluída ao esquema de vacinação, obrigatória e gratuita. La taxa país diminuiu de 69,6 a 2,7 entre 2005 y 2010 (p<0,05); no departamento de Artigas passou de 780,57/100.000 em 2005 a 0,66 em 2010 (p<0,05). Durante 2005-2008 foram registrados 22 surtos em cidades; em 2010, foram registrados poucos surtos intrafamiliarese em escolas. A redução do número de casos de 2005 a 2010 foi significativa em todas as idades. Comentário: de 2005 a 2010 observou-se uma diminuição significativa e mantida do número de surtos e das taxas de hepatite A no Uruguai.

Soroprevalência de hepatite A em crianças e adolescentes / Seroprevalence of hepatitis A in children and adolescents

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a soroprevalência de hepatite A (VHA) em crianças e adolescentes com idade entre 1 e 14 anos, e identificar fatores associados à infecção prévia. MÉTODO: Estudo epidemiológico transversal, realizado entre fevereiro e agosto de 2006, em Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil, e em sua região metropolitana. A análise laboratorial constituiu-se de pesquisa qualitativa de anticorpos totais para o VHA em amostra de sangue total. RESULTADOS: No estudo, 901 crianças e adolescentes foram incluídos. A distribuição por faixa etária foi: 237 (26,3 por cento) entre 1 e 4 anos; 313 (34,7 por cento) entre 5 e 9 anos; e 351 (39 por cento) entre 10 e 14 anos. A taxa de soroprevalência geral encontrada foi de 19,8 por cento, e por grupo etário foi de 3, 21,1 e 29,9 por cento (p < 0,01), respectivamente. Na análise multivariada, demonstrou-se que os fatores que, em conjunto, mantiveram associação positiva com as prevalências de anticorpos contra o VHA na população estudada foram: faixa etária de 5 a 9 e 10 a 14 anos, morar em casas com um ou mais habitantes por cômodo, frequentar refeitório comunitário e ter baixa renda per capita. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados demonstraram uma baixa prevalência de anticorpos contra o VHA, o que justifica o uso de medidas profiláticas, que incluem a vacinação precoce.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A (HAV) in children and adolescents aged 1 to 14 years, and to identify factors associated with a history of infection. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study, conducted form February to August 2006 in the city of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, and the surrounding municipalities (Greater Curitiba). Laboratory analysis comprised qualitative assay for total HAV antibodies in whole blood samples. RESULTS: A total of 901 children and adolescents were recruited for the study. Age distribution was as follows: 1 to 4 years, n = 237 (26.3 percent); 5 to 9 years, n = 313 (34.7 percent); and 10 to 14 years, n = 351 (39 percent). The global rate of seroprevalence was 19.8 percent, and seroprevalence rates by age group were 3 percent, 21.1 percent and 29.9 percent respectively (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the following factors, in combination, had a positive association with the prevalence rate of antibodies against HAV in the study population: age groups 5 to 9 and 10 to 14 years, living in a household with more than one inhabitant per room, shared eating area and low per capita income. CONCLUSIONS: The results show a low prevalence of antibodies against HAV, which justifies the use of prophylactic measures, including early vaccination.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis A immunity among brazilian adult patients with liver cirrhosis: is HAV vaccination necessary?

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic liver disease have a higher risk of fulminant hepatitis when infected with hepatitis A virus, and vaccination of these patients against such infection is recommended. In Brazil, mainly in the South and Southeast regions, the epidemiology of hepatitis A (HA) has shifted from high to intermediate endemicity, which would have implication on policy of HA vaccination for these populations. OBJECTIVE: To verify the prevalence of HA immunity in adult patients with liver cirrhosis (LC), in Uberlândia MG, a city of Southeastern Brazil. METHODS: Between December 2005 and December 2006, 106 patients with LC were consecutively evaluated. In addition, 75 individuals without LC or alcoholism were evaluated (control group - CG). RESULTS: Total anti-HAV (ELISA methods) was positive in 104 (98.1 percent) patients with LC (82 men, 24 women; mean age, 53.3 ± 11.9 years) and in 74 (98.7 percent) individuals of the CG (55 men, 20 women; mean age, 47 ± 11.6 years), p > 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with chronic liver disease, in the geographic regions and age groups evaluated, routine vaccination against hepatitis A is not recommended. Moreover, the serum determination of total anti-HAV, used to assess immunity, is five times cheaper than vaccination against hepatitis A and, for this reason, should precede vaccination.

Intervención educativa a estudiantes de noveno grado para elevar conocimientos sobre la hepatitis A / Educational intervention in ninth grade students to increase knowledge on hepatitis A

La hepatitis viral es una de las enfermedades infecciosas más frecuentes. Objetivo: elevar el nivel de conocimientos sobre la hepatitis A viral en adolescentes de noveno grado. Método: se realizó un estudio de intervención educativa en adolescentes de 9no grado de la secundaria Esteban Borrero pertenecientes al Policlínico Docente Universitario Tula Aguilera, en la provincia de Camagüey, desde noviembre de 2007 hasta diciembre de 2008. El universo se constituyó por trescientos cinco estudiantes, la muestra fue de cuarenta estudiantes escogidos por el método aleatorio simple. Se aplicó una encuesta indicativa del nivel de conocimiento que tenían los estudiantes sobre la hepatitis A, la cual se convirtió en el registro primario de la información. Posteriormente se desarrolló una intervención educativa de tres encuentros semanales, durante tres meses. Resultados: los resultados se procesaron de forma computarizada, se aplicaron medidas estadísticas de distribución de frecuencia y por ciento. Antes de la intervención educativa el 55% identificó ingerir el agua contaminada como una forma de transmisión de la enfermedad, un 77,5 % señaló el decaimiento como uno de los síntomas y el 72,5 % lavar bien los alimentos ante de ser ingeridos. Conclusiones: predominó el desconocimiento sobre las formas de transmisión, los signos y síntomas y las medidas preventivas de la hepatitis A, lo que se modificó después de finalizado el programa educativo.

Viral hepatitis is one of the most frequent infectious diseases. Objective: to increase the knowledge levels on viral hepatitis type A in ninth grade adolescent. Method: an educational intervention study in nine grade adolescent at the high school Esteban Borrero was accomplished, belonging to the Teaching University Polyclinic Tula Aguilera in Camagüey province, from November 2007 to December 2008. The universe was constituted by three hundred five students; the sample was formed by forty students chosen by the simple random method. An indicative survey of students´ knowledge level on hepatitis A was applied, which became the information primary record. Subsequently an educational intervention of three meetings weekly, during three months was performed. Results: results were processed through computerized form, frequency distribution and percent statistical measures were applied. Before the educational intervention the 55 % identified consuming contaminated water as a way of transmission of the disease, a 77,5 % pointed out weakness as one of the symptoms and the 72,5 % indicated to wash the foods well before consuming. Conclusions: the ignorance on ways of transmission, signs and symptoms and preventive measures of hepatitis A prevailed, which was modified after finished the educational program.

Surto de hepatite A em área urbana de Luziânia, Estado de Goiás, 2009 / Hepatite A outbreak in an urban area of Luziânia, State of Goiás, Brazil, 2009

INTRODUÇÃO: Os objetivos desse estudo foram confirmar a existência de um surto de hepatite A, descrever o evento por pessoa, tempo e lugar, formular hipóteses sobre modo de transmissão e propor medidas de prevenção e controle. MÉTODOS: Realizado um estudo descritivo do tipo série de casos e investigação ambiental. RESULTADOS: Ocorreu um surto a partir de março de 2009. Quarenta e uma (71 por cento) pessoas recebiam água sem tratamento no seu domicílio. Foram detectados coliformes termotolerantes em 20/58 (34 por cento) amostras de água. CONCLUSÕES: A investigação sugere que a hipótese principal para esse surto foi à ingestão de água contaminada.

INTRODUCTION: This paper describes the investigation to confirm an outbreak of hepatitis A, presents the case distribution by person, time and place, formulates a hypothesis concerning the mode of transmission and presents the recommended measures for prevention and control. METHODS: A descriptive study of a case series and an environmental research were conducted. RESULTS: An outbreak of hepatitis A was confirmed beginning in March 2009. Forty one (71 percent) individuals in the town received untreated water in their households. Thermotolerant coliform bacteria were detected in 20/58 (34 percent) water samples. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of contaminated water was the main hypothesis of virus transmission.

Hepatitis A en niños / Hepatitis A in children

La Hepatitis A (HVA), también llamada hepatitis infecciosa, transmitida por alimentos, epidémica,ictericia catarral o epidémica, entre otros, es una enfermedad producida por un agente viral que se trasmite por vía fecal oral y generalmente su curso es autolimitado, aunque, puede progresar ahepatitis fulminante ocasionando la muerte a una proporción pequeña de los infectados. Pertenece al géner o Hepatovir us de la Familia Picornaviridae. La HVA, tiene una distribución universal, aunque con grandes diferencias geográficas en cuanto a su prevalencia, ocurre en forma esporádica y epidémica en todo el mundo, con una tendencia a presentarse en ciclos. La HVA, tiene un periodo de incubación prolongado, entre 15 a 50 días, con un promedio de 29 días, lo que hace difícil relacionar los síntomas con algún alimento o bebida ingerida. El diagnostico de la HVA, se basa en la detección de anticuerpos contra el VHA tipo IgM e IgG. El tratamiento básicamente es de soporte, sintomático y en casos de falla hepática, el trasplante es la única opción. La inmunoglobulina confiere inmunidad pasiva a corto plazo mientras la vacuna provee una protección activa a largo plazo.

Hepatitis A (HVA), also called infectious hepatitis, foodborne, epidemic, or epidemic or catarrhaljaundice, among others, is a disease caused by a viral agent that spreads through fecal-oral routeand usually self-limited course, although fulminant hepatitis can progress to causing death to a small proportion of those infected. Is a Hepatovirus genus of the Picornaviridae Family. The HVA, has a worldwide distribution, but with large geographical differences in its prevalence, occurs in sporadic and epidemic worldwide, with a tendency to occur in cycles. The HVA, has a long incubation period between 15 to 50 days, with an average of 29 days, making it difficult to correlate symptoms with food or drink intake. The diagnosis of HVA was based on the detection of antibodies against HAV IgM and IgG.