Seroepidemiology of hepatitis A virus in Kuwait.

AIM: To find the current seroepidemiology of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in Kuwait. METHODS: A total of 2851 Kuwaitis applying for new jobs were screened. RESULTS: HAV-positive cases were 28.8%; 59% were males and 41% were females. The highest prevalence was in the Ahmadi area. High prevalence was among the group of non-educated rather than educated parents. This is the first study in Kuwait demonstrating the shifting epidemiology of HAV. CONCLUSION: This study reflects the need of the Kuwaiti population for an HAV vaccine.