Seroepidemiology of hepatitis A infection in India: changing pattern.
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-64671
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Recent changes in the epidemiology of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection and the availability of effective vaccines have renewed interest in this infection. We determined the age-related prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies in India and looked for differences by known risk factors for HAV infection.METHODS:
In this prospective study, serum samples obtained from 1612 subjects aged 1 to 60 at six centers in five cities (Calcutta, Cochin, Indore, Jaipur and Patna) during the period February to August 1998 were tested for anti-HAV antibodies. Demographic and socio-economic information was obtained by questionnaire.RESULTS:
The overall seroprevalence rate was 65.9%, varying from 26.2% to 85.3% in various cities; there was no difference between males and females. Seropositivity increased with age from 52.2% in the 1-5 year age group to 80.8% in those aged 16 years or more. Seroprevalence rates were significantly lower in those aged 1-5 years compared with other age groups (p<0.0001). There was no difference in seroprevalence between those with monthly family income <Rs 5000 and >Rs 5001. Multivariate analysis showed that anti-HAV seroprevalence varied significantly by source of water supply, being highest when the supply was municipal.CONCLUSION:
Our results indicate an epidemiological pattern of intermediate endemicity. This finding has public health implications as it indicates that a significant proportion of the Indian adolescent and adult population is at risk of HAV infection.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Main subject:
Reference Values
/
Socioeconomic Factors
/
Water Supply
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Hepatitis Antibodies
/
Confidence Intervals
/
Seroepidemiologic Studies
/
Child
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Risk factors
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Year:
2001
Type:
Article
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