Seroprevalence of anti-hepatitis a antibody among 1-15 year old children in Kashan-Iran

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.

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