Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A among Different Age Groups in Sakarya and Review of The Literature

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in all age groups in Sakarya province and to review previously presented data about HAV seroprevalence in Turkey. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the records of patients who were tested for IgG anti-HAV and Igm anti-HAV for diagnostic and screening purposes between of 01.01.2012 and 31.12.2013. Anti-HAV antibodies in serum samples were analyzed with chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMI) method (Architect i2000, Abbott). Values below 1 s/co were accepted as negative and values ≥1 s/co were considered positive. Results: IgG anti-HAV positivity was determined in 1498 (74.7%) people out of 2003 for the two-year screening period. Positivity rates were found as 29.7%, 43.4%, 57.1%, 84.8%, 96.8%, 99%, and 99.3% in the age groups 0-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60 and 61-92, respectively. IgM anti-HAV positivity was detected in 75 (4.44%) of 1693 people. IgM anti-HAV positivity rates according to age groups 0-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, and 61-92 years were 13.2%, 13.7%, 6.3%, 1%, 0%, 0%, and 0.6%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study provides information about the serological status of HAV in Sakarya. Knowledge of the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus will be guiding for establishing appropriate preventive measures and creation of vaccination programs. Besides the use of vaccines, sanitation activities, creation of healthy water sources, and improving infrastructure systems will make significant contribution toward reducing the incidence of HAV infection. The data obtained from this and similar studies will provide the opportunity to examine and compare the results of the routine HAV vaccination in the forthcoming years. (Viral Hepatitis Journal 2014; 20(3): 110-114)