Type | Journal Article - Hepatitis monthly |
Title | Seroprevalence of anti-hepatitis a antibody among 1-15 year old children in Kashan-Iran |
Author(s) | |
Volume | 13 |
Issue | 5 |
Publication (Day/Month/Year) | 2013 |
URL | http://hepatmon.com/?page=article&article_id=10553 |
Abstract | Background: Worldwide, hepatitis A is a common infection during childhood especially in developing countries. It can cause severe complications in adults and patients with underlying diseases. Objectives: This study was performed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A in 1 - 15 year-old children of Kashan. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 666 one to fifteen year-old children from health-care centers in Kashan city during 2012. Total antibodies against hepatitis A were measured in sera by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Totally, 3.9% of children were seropositive. Mean number of family members was 3.92 ± 0.89. There was no difference in seroprevalence of hepatitis A relative to sex, family size, mean age and age groups. Conclusions: In this city, a great proportion of children are susceptible to hepatitis A and it’s complications at an older age. This decrease in seropositivity may be caused by elevated hygien level. According to our results hepatitis A vaccination is recommended at early childhood such as that of other regions where low prevalence of hepatitis A infection is found. |
» | Iran, Islamic Rep. - Population and Housing Census 2011 |