anti-HAV IgG Research Articles

Kastamonu İlinde Hepatit A Seroprevalansının Değerlendirilmesi i

Aim: Hepatitis A disease is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This study aimed to decide the hepatitis A seroprevalence in all age groups in Kastamonu province, Turkey.
 Material and Method: The current study analyzed the anti-HAV antibodies test results of the patients who applied to Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital for various reasons between 2018-2022. The most up-to-date test results of patients sent more than one serum sample were evaluated. The patients were separated into eight age groups: 0-10,11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, and ≥71. The anti-HAV IgM and anti-HAV IgG values were determined using the chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay method in the Abbott Architect i2000SR. The results were evaluated based on the manufacturer’s instructions. 
 Results: There was positivity in 27 (1.3%) of 2083 patients in whom anti-HAV IgM was studied and in 837 (58.2%) of 1439 patients in whom anti-HAV IgG was studied. The anti-HAV IgG positivity in females and males was 55.9% and 61.0%, respectively; anti-HAV IgM positivity was 1.7% and 0.8%. The anti-HAV IgG positivity rate increased with increasing age (p

Çocuklarda On Yıllık Hepatit A, B ve C Seroprevalans Trendi: Tek Merkez Sonuçları

Aim: Hepatitis B vaccination since 1998 and hepatitis A vaccination since 2012 is available in the childhood routine vaccination program in Turkey. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C yet. The seroprevalence of hepatitis A, B, and C differs between regions. For this reason, each region should assemble its own rates. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A, B, and C in children in Kastamonu province, to evaluate whether there is a change in prevalence according to years and patient age, and to review whether there is a change in hepatitis A virus seroprevalence with hepatitis A vaccination.
 Material and Methods: File records of all patients under 18 whose hepatitis serology was studied at Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital between 01.01.2012 and 21.12.2021 were reviewed retrospectively.
 Results: A total of 19885 patients and 55738 test results were included in the study. Accordingly, hepatitis A seroprevalence increased year by year. Anti-HAV IgG positivity was higher in the vaccinated group, whereas anti-HAV IgM positivity was higher in the unvaccinated group (p

An Asymptomatic Patient with Persistent Anti-HAV IgM and Anti-HAV IgG: A Case Report and Literature Review

<p>?一名61歲女性，因職業為供膳人員而需要每年健檢，2015年於本院健檢時意外發現A型肝炎病毒IgM抗體(anti-HAV IgM)呈現陽性反應，懷疑是急性A型肝炎感染，因而轉至胃腸肝膽科門診檢查。個案本身並無症狀，實驗室報告顯示並無異常。隔年健康檢查仍發現anti-HAV IgM呈現陽性，再次安排實驗室檢查及理學檢查，也無顯示任何異常，隨後入院接受肝臟切片病理檢驗，但報告亦無特異性表現，且個案於住院期間也無任何不適。本次入院前，個案在外院也檢查了A型肝炎病毒IgG抗體(anti-HAV IgG)，發現也呈現陽性反應，且後續追蹤直至2020年期間，個案的anti-HAV IgM及anti-HAV IgG皆持續呈現陽性反應。持續性anti-HAV IgM陽性並不常見，本文針對造成持續性anti-HAV IgM陽性的原因，進行文獻回顧，並分析此案例可能的原因及後續適當之處理程序。</p> <p> </p><p>A 61-year-old female restaurant caterer had received regular annual health examinations. In 2015, hepatitis A virus immunoglobulin M antibody (anti-HAV IgM) was detected, though she showed no symptom or sign of HAV infection. She was then transferred to the gastroenterology (GI) outpatient clinic where she underwent further laboratory tests that revealed no specific findings. Medical certificates were therefore issued and regular follow-ups arranged. However, reactive anti-HAV IgM persisted with reactive result of anti-HAV IgG in 2016, and laboratory tests again showed negative findings. She was accordingly admitted for liver biopsy. Nevertheless, the pathology report also revealed no sign or symptom of infection, and she did not report any symptoms of HAV infection. As a result, she was discharged for annual monitoring. During the period from 2017 to 2020, she had visited our family medicine outpatient clinic for regular follow-ups; anti-HAV IgM and anti-HAV IgG were followed and revealed reactive findings. Persistent anti-HAV IgM is rare in the literature, and concurrent persistent anti-HAV IgG is even more unusual. In this article, we present a rare case of the above condition while the literature of persistent anti-HAV IgM is also reviewed.</p> <p> </p>

Sağlık Çalışanlarında Hepatit A, Hepatit B, Hepatit C ve HIV Seroprevalansı

Amaç: Hepatit A, hepatit B, hepatit C ve HIV kan ve vücut sıvılarının bulaşı açısından önde gelen hastalıklardır. Bu çalışmada, sağlık çalışanlarında HAV, HBV, HCV ve HIV seropozitifliğinin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır.Materyal ve Metot: Sağlık çalışanlarının serum örneklerinde HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, anti-HAV IgG, anti-HBc IgG ve anti-HIV testleri kemilüminesans esasına dayanan ELISA yöntemi ile çalışıldı.Bulgular: Çalışmaya dahil edilen 647 sağlık çalışanından 391’i erkek (%60,43) ve 256’sı kadındı (%39,57). Çalışanların 201’i (%31,1) hemşire, 92’si (%14,2) doktor, 94’ü (%14,5) temizlik görevlisi ve 260’ı (%40,2) diğer sağlık personeli idi. HBsAg pozitifliği 12 kişide (%1,8) saptandı. Anti-HBs pozitifliği 561 kişide (%86,7) tespit edildi. Anti-HCV ve anti-HIV pozitifliği herhangi bir sağlık çalışanında saptanmadı. Anti-HAV IgG bakılan 552 kişiden 499 kişide test sonucu pozitif (%90,3), 53 kişide ise negatif (%9,7) olarak sonuçlandı.Sonuç: Sağlık çalışanları HAV, HBV, HCV ve HIV açısından yüksek risk grubunda bulundukları için dönemsel olarak bu virüsler açısından tarama yapılması ve HAV ile HBV’ye karşı bağışık olmayanların aşılanmaları gerekmektedir.

Hepatitis A Chronic Immunity: A Population-Based Seroprevalence Study in Fars Province, Southern Iran

Background: Hepatitis A virus (HAV), the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis, afflicts millions of people and causes the loss of thousands of lives annually. Objectives: This study aimed to detect the seroprevalence of anti-HAV IgG in Fars province, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using multi-stage cluster random sampling from 12 cities and 24 villages. All age groups, excluding infants (≤ 1-year-old), were included in this study. A valid checklist consisting of demographic and sanitation items and questions about the transmission routes of HAV were filled out for each individual. In the case of children, interviews were performed with one of the parents. Furthermore, anti-HAV IgG was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Dia.pro kits, Italy) on 3 cc of the blood sample of each participant. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate (binary logistic regression) tests by SPSS. We applied both World Health Organization (WHO) and age at mid-point of population immunity (AMPI) protocols for HAV endemicity classification. In addition, the geographical variation of hepatitis A chronic immunity was analyzed by the Bayesian spatial model. OpenBUGS program was used to estimate parameters, and ArcGIS was used to display the results on a map. Results: A total of 547 participants with an age range of 1 - 82 years, mean age of 33.07 ± 15.1 years, and female to male ratio of 1.1 were studied. Overall, 380 (69.5%) individuals had anti-HAV IgG, and 124 of 282 (44%) adults ≤ 30 years old had HAV immunity. AMPI was 25 years old. Being married (OR = 10.7), non-Fars ethnicity (OR = 2.8), knowledgeable about HAV (OR = 2.2), and employed (OR = 1.7) were the strongest determinants of anti-HAV seropositivity. Southern cities of Fars province, which have a hot climate, had the highest prevalence of HAV immunity. Conclusions: Fars province is a very low and intermediate HAV endemic area based on WHO and AMPI protocols, respectively. High-risk groups, such as patients with chronic liver diseases or coagulopathy, travelers to highly-endemic areas, intravenous drug abusers, and homosexuals, should be given priority in the HAV vaccination program. However, the strategy of HAV vaccination should be tailored to subsequent cost-effectiveness studies and national HAV vaccination strategy.

Seroprevalence of viral Hepatitis of enteric (A and E) and parenteral / sexual (B and C) transmission of individuals aged 30 to 70 residents in Salvador-Brazil

Viral hepatitis are still considered as public health problems. Hepatitis caused by HAV and HEV, spread by enteric transmission are, acute infections associated with precarious basic sanitation, inappropriate hygiene and consumption of contaminated food. Hepatitis caused by HBV and HCV viruses transmitted by parenteral /sexual route are associated with chronic diseases and progression to cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma OBJECTIVES: to estimate the seroprevalence of serological markers of hepatitis A, B, C and E hepatitis, the concomitance of enteric and parenteral / sexual transmission hepatitis in a population aged between 30-70 years and to observe possible relationships with sociodemographic data. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 650 individuals born between 1945 and 1985 attended at a laboratory in the public health network of Salvador-Brazil. Serological tests included IgG anti-HAV, IgG anti-HEV, IgG anti-HBc, IgG anti-HCV. The volunteers answered a questionnaire containing questions about habits, conducts, previous medical procedures and sociodemographic data. RESULTS: 208 of the participants were men (32.00%) and 442 were women (68.0%) and in the groups younger than 31-50 years (301) and older individuals from 51 to 70 years (349). Seroprevalence of HVA (92.46%), HEV(2.15%), HBV (17.76%) and HCV (3.69%). Of the total population, the concomitant seroprevalence of Ig G anti-HAV and IgG anti-HEV (1.85%) and IgG anti-HBc and IgG anti-HCV (1.38%). With the epidemiological and sociodemographic data it is not possible to associate common risk factors for HAV and / or HEV contact in the study population, however, the association of HEV with the proximity of contact / management with swine reported by some participants can not be excluded. Seroprevalence of HBV and HCV was associated with unprotected sex, sharing of needles and syringes in the older group, and injecting drug use. The group of older and males had a higher prevalence of contact with B and C viruses. CONCLUSION: The contact markers that presented the highest seroprevalence were anti-HAV IgG, followed by the markers for HBV, HCV and HEV. The anti-HCV IgG marker presented a higher prevalence than in the general population and the HEV presented a low prevalence. The group of older individuals and male gender presented a higher seroprevalence of contact with HBV and HCV. Concomitant seroprevalence was low in both enteric and parenteral / sexual transmission hepatitis.

Вирусный гепатит как возможный триггер аутоиммунных заболеваний печени

In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) among women and men in all age groups, their etiology remains unknown. The purpose of the study. To confirm the possible role of hepatitis viruses in the development of AILD. Material and methods. During the period 2019–2021, 141 patients with AILD were examined in the department of chronic liver Diseases of Moscow Clinical Scientific and Practical center named after A.S. Loginov of the Moscow Department of Health. The examination included the determination of anti-HAV IgG, anti-HEV IgG, HBsAg, anti-HBcorе IgG, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, DNA HBV, RNA HCV, ANA-НЕр-2, liver fibroelastometry (FE), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), liver biopsy (LB). The risk of developing AILD in people who have had hepatitis A, B, and E virus infections was assessed by calculating the odds ratio. Statistical processing was carried out by standard methods. Results. The main group consisted of patients with AILD (n = 139) of them with AIH (n = 46), PBC (n = 74), PSC (n = 19), the control group (KG) (n = 125) – without chronic liver diseases. The high prevalence of IgG class antibodies to hepatitis viruses (HV) A, B, E was reliably demonstrated among patients with AILD (n = 104; 74.8%) compared with KG (n = 68; 54.4%), P < 0.001, and anti-HCV was most often detected (n = 87; 63%), p < 0.002 and anti-HBcore (n = 36;25%), p < 0.031. The highest prevalence of anti-HAV and anti-HBcore was determined – 70% (p < 0.001) and 29% (p < 0.016), respectively, in the PBC group. No significant differences were obtained for PSC and AIH. HBV DNA was detected in the blood of two patients n = 2 (2.5%), that the presence of DNA latent viral hepatitis B. Conclusion. As a result of the study, the epidemiological relationship of transferred viral hepatitis A and B with AILD (in particular, PBС) was revealed. The data obtained confirm the role of hepatitis viruses as possible triggers of AILD and the probable involvement of HBV infection in the pathogenesis of PBC.

Hepatitis A and E among immigrants and refugees in Central Brazil.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) among immigrants and refugees in Goiás, Central Brazil.METHODS Overall, 355 individuals were interviewed, and blood samples were tested for anti-HAV and anti-HEV IgG. Anti-HEV-positive samples were similarly tested for HEV RNA.RESULTS All participants were from Latin American countries, most of whom, young adult males. The overall anti-HAV IgG prevalence was 87.4% (95%CI: 83.5–90.4), of whom 94.9%, 75.6%, and 60% were from Haiti, Venezuela, and other Latin American countries, respectively (p < 0.001). Age above 19 years and more than 36 months residing in Brazil were associated with a higher prevalence of previous HAV and HEV infection, respectively. Of the children eligible for HAV vaccination according to the National Immunization Program, only eight (44%) had been vaccinated. The overall anti-HEV IgG prevalence was 6.5% (95%CI: 4.4–9.5). All anti-HEV IgG-positive individuals were Haitians, including a child born in Brazil. HEV RNA was detected in two of the anti-HEV IgG-positive samples.CONCLUSION The survey detected a high prevalence of anti-HAV and anti-HEV IgG among immigrants and refugees, and active HEV infection among some Haitian participants. Prevention measures are urgently required to interrupt enteric virus transmission in this emergent and vulnerable population.

Serosurvey of hepatitis A virus and E virus infection among municipal sweepers working in the largest city in the south of Iran

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to determine the exposure rate of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E viruses in urban solid waste collectors/sweepers in the south of Iran. The 385 samples (serums) were collected from Shiraz Municipality waste sweepers.. A questionnaire was used to gather data on their demographic and occupational characteristics, as well as their awareness of viral hepatitis disease. The viral seroprevalence was determined by commercial IgG ELISA kit. All participants were male, mean age of 41 ± 8 years. ELISA assay showed that all of them were positive for anti-HAV IgG. Also, 62 out of 385 individuals were positive for anti-HEV IgG. The statistical analysis showed that the frequency of HEV IgG antibody among age groups 20–30, 31–40, 41–50 and >50 years old had an increasing trend, 4.5%, 10.1%, 17.4%, and 36.7%, respectively, indicating age factor significance (p = .001). Based on some investigated factors including the duration of work experience, current and previous jobs, habitation, personal hygiene status, and knowledge on viral hepatitis diseasees/their transmission, there was no statistically significant difference between anti-HEV IgG positive versus negative sweepers. The results indicated a slighty higher frequency of anti-HAV and anti-HEV IgG among sweepers compared to other pre-investigated population. It doesn’t seem that garbage collecting/sweeping could be a significant risk factor for HAV and HEV infection.

First report of simultaneous assessment of hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus seroprevalence among soldiers in Iran

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and Hepatitis A virus (HAV) have been considered as common causes of viral hepatitis to military service members since their discovery. Although Iran has been recognized as an endemic country for HAV and HEV there is no study about HAV and HEV simultaneous prevalence among Iranian soldiers. The purpose of this study was to assess anti-HAV and anti-HEV antibodies in Iranian soldiers concurrently. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 400 serum samples were collected by simple random sampling for detection of anti-HAV and anti-HEV IgG by commercial HEV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Out of 400 individuals, all participants were male with ages ranging from 18 to 26 years. Totally, 12% and 0.5% of the tested specimens were positive for anti-HAV and anti-HEV respectively. There were no significant differences between the subjects grouped according to age groups. Our finding presented a dramatic decrease in seropositivity against HAV. Therefore, vaccination for HAV should be reevaluated for military services in Iran.

Screening of Hepatitis A and B Seropositivity among Turkish Healthcare Providers Admitted to Occupational Health Services

This study aimed to determine the protection rates against hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), among healthcare providers (HCPs). The occupational health service data of Gaziosmanpaşa Training and Research Hospital between January 2020 and December 2020 were evaluated for this retrospective observational study. Of the 1,722 participants aged 34.40 ± 9.16 years, 48.6% (n = 861) were male, and 55.0% (n = 975) were doctors and nurses. The anti-HBs seropositivity rate was 87.5% (n = 1,501). None of the participants had anti-HCV antibodies. Twelve participants were HBsAg positive. A level of anti-HBs titer ≥10 mIU/mL was maintained in 66.7% of the HCPs vaccinated in childhood, while 71.3% (n = 1,263) of the participants had anti-HAV IgG. HAV vaccination needs were higher in the doctor and nurse groups than in the other groups (60.5% and 39.5%, respectively, p = 0.003). HBV protection was higher among HCPs in polyclinics/wards and surgery/intensive care units than in those working in the emergency department (odds ratio (OR): 2.099, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.285–3.429; OR: 1.592, 95% CI = 1.037–2.443, respectively). HAV protection was higher in HCPs aged 31–50 years and over 50 years than in those aged 18–30 years (OR: 2.046, 95% CI = 1.647–2.541; OR: 3.615, 95% CI = 2.164–6.037, respectively). In this study, one out of every two HCPs aged 18–30 years admitted to the occupational health control services had not yet received the HAV vaccine. The low levels of HBV protection among HCPs in the emergency department highlight the need for occupational health screening and HBV vaccination for HCPs working in emergency services in hospitals.

Hepatitis A Seroprevalence in Mogadishu, Somalia.

The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the most frequent global causes of vaccine-preventable viral hepatitis. Since Somalia is regarded as highly endemic for hepatitis A, the hepatitis A vaccine was not included in the World Health Organization's expanded immunization program. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis A infection in the Somalia capital, Mogadishu. The serological results of 1153 individuals presenting to the Mogadishu Training and Research Hospital between January 2019 and January 2021 were examined retrospectively to evaluate the presence of anti-HAV IgG and IgM. The seroprevalence of anti-HAV IgG and IgM was analyzed on the basis of age and sex. The seroprevalence of anti-HAV IgG was also compared among the 11-year age group. The seroprevalence of anti-HAV IgG and IgM did not vary significantly between the sexes. Overall, the seroprevalence of anti-HAV IgG was 67.6%. The percentage of seropositivity for anti-HAV IgG was highest in adults aged ≥41 years (88.9%) and lowest in children aged 1-2 years (29.4%). Estimated age at midpoint of population immunity was 5 years which is compatible high endemicity. In addition, a significant rate of hepatitis A infection was also observed in the adolescent age group. This study confirms the high HAV endemicity in Mogadishu. These data will be useful towards planning preventive and control measures by improving the sanitation programs in Mogadishu. Furthermore, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate urban-rural heterogeneity.

Epidemiologic patterns of hepatitis A infection during the pre–vaccination era: A population-based survey in Tunisia in 2015

In the 1980s, Tunisia was considered a country of high endemicity for hepatitis A virus (HAV). Since 2000, an epidemiologic shift has led to an increased incidence of symptomatic and severe forms of HAV infection. In 2015, we conducted a cross-sectional nationwide household-based hepatitis A virus (HAV) seroprevalence study in the total population regardless of age, sex, or geographic origin using a stratified sampling design to make an overview of the HAV epidemiologic situation in Tunisia before vaccine implementation. A total of 6,322 individuals were enrolled. The HAV prevalence was 78.8%. The anti-HAV IgG seropositivity rate increased from 16% for ages 5-9 years to 45% for ages 10-14 years, 67% for ages 15-19 years, 87% for ages 20-24 years, and >90% for older age groups, which suggested an age at midpoint of population immunity (AMPI) in late adolescence. It was significantly higher in rural areas (P < 10-3) and varied significantly between and within regions (P < 10-4). In this study, although the overall AMPI suggestsintermediate endemicity, the regional AMPI varies from intermediate to very high endemicity profiles attributable to different socioeconomic determinants and conditions of sanitation and hygiene. In addition, it provides insights for the best decisions in terms of vaccination strategies.

Ten-Year Trends of Hepatitis A Seroprevalence in People Living with HIV in Korea.

Epidemiological information on hepatitis A among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Korea is scarce. This retrospective study was performed at a tertiary care hospital and included 756 PLHIV with anti- hepatitis A virus (HAV) IgG tests. Between 2012 and 2021, the age at anti-HAV IgG seroconversion is gradually delayed, and the proportion of individuals susceptible to HAV infection increased among adult PLHIV in Korea. The independent risk factors for HAV seropositivity were female sex and HBs antigen (Ag) positivity. Therefore, HAV vaccination is highly recommended for young PLHIV, especially for women or HBsAg-positive individuals.

Accuracy assessment of total or IgG Immunoglobulin to hepatitis A virus tests around immunity threshold.

Anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibody titers at 20 IU/L are assumed to correlate with protection against HAV challenge. We examined the accuracy and precision of currently in use immunoassays for total or anti-HAV IgG determination, by repeated testing of dilutions of the international anti-HAV standard, within a 10-50 IU/mL concentration range. Eight immunoassays were evaluated. All could confidently identify people who need to be vaccinated, or who might benefit from a booster vaccine: no positive interpretation for the 10 and 15 IU/mL concentrations. However, qualitative interpretation may differ from test to test in the 15-30 IU/mL range. This variation has to be taken into account when comparing seroprevalence data.

Enteric viral hepatitis in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Southern Vietnam)

Aim: To study the hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis Е (HEV) prevalence in the Southern region of Vietnam based on the frequency analysis of the antibodies to hepatitis A and E viruses detection in the local population and groups at increased risk of infection.Materials and methods. Serological markers of enteral viral hepatitis were determined in blood serum samples from adults aged 18 to 65 years of three groups: conditionally healthy individuals (n = 397), HIV-infected (n = 316), and patients with chronic viral hepatitis (n = 268). The ELISA method was used for the qualitative detection of anti-HAV IgG, anti-HAV IgM, anti-HEV IgG, anti-HEV IgM.Results. When analyzing the prevalence of anti-HAV IgG in samples obtained from conditionally healthy, HIV-infected, and patients with chronic viral hepatitis, no differences were found between the groups. The incidence of anti-HAV IgG in the general group (n = 981) was 80.1%, in the absence of anti-HAV IgM. There were no gender-age differences in the frequency of anti-HAV IgG in the examined groups. Antibodies anti-HEV IgG in the groups of conditionally healthy, patients with chronic viral hepatitis, and HIV-infected were present in the samples in 36,2%, 33,2%, and 39,8% of cases, respectively. The prevalence of anti-HEV IgM in these groups was 3,27%, 4,1%, and 3,79%, respectively. In the general group (n = 981), anti-HEV IgG was detected in 36,6% of cases, anti-HEV IgM in 3,66%, which corresponds to the prevalence of antibodies to HEV in endemic regions.Conclusion. A high incidence of enteral viral hepatitis markers was shown in residents of South Vietnam, including the groups of conditionally healthy, patients with chronic viral hepatitis, and HIV-infected. There is an obvious need for further studies of the spread extent of hepatitis A and hepatitis E in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam using currently available highly sensitive diagnostic methods, including sequencing of the virus›s nucleotide sequences.

Seroepidemiological Study of Hepatitis A in Medical Students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in 2019

Introduction: Hepatitis A (HA) is a common infectious disease caused by the HA virus that primarily affects the liver. We need to determine the safety status and infection rate in the community. Therefore, we decided to study the Seroepidemiological of HA in medical students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in 2019.Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study prospectively examining anti-HAV antibodies in medical students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in 2019. Patient demographic data, laboratory results of anti-HAV IgG and vaccination history were recorded. Four cc of blood were drawn from each student for the anti-HAV IgG test and after the test was performed. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24 software.Results: One hundred and fifty-five students were interviewed. The mean age (standard deviation) of the students in this study was 23.81 (1.47) years. Ninety-nine (63.9%) of the students were male. Therefore, it was caused by previous infection with HAV and 120 (77.4%) cases were considered susceptible individuals whose serum anti-HAV IgG was negative. This was not seen to be statistically significant (P=0.754). According to the test, 77.4% of the predictions were correct. None of the variables of sex, age, history of underlying disease, place of residence, and history of travel had a significant effect on the incidence and positivity of anti-HAV IgG.Conclusion: This study showed that the incidence of anti-HAV IgG was positive in 22.6% of the students, which is much lower than previous studies. This may be due to the higher level of health in this segment of the population.

Insufficient vaccination and inadequate immunization rates among Korean patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

This study aimed to evaluate self-reported vaccination rates, immunity, knowledge of and attitudes toward vaccination among Korean patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as to identify factors associated with proper vaccination.Between November 2013 and February 2015, consecutive patients with IBD were invited to complete a standardized questionnaire on vaccination. Moreover, immune status for common vaccine-preventable diseases was evaluated via serologic tests.A total of 310 patients with IBD were invited to the questionnaire survey and 287 patients (92.6%) who completed the questionnaires were finally enrolled (men, 188 [65.5%], median age at survey, 29.9 years [interquartile range, 22.3-39.2], ulcerative colitis: Crohn disease = 165:122]. Self-reported vaccine uptake rates were as follows: hepatitis A virus (HAV; 13.2%), hepatitis B virus (HBV; 35.2%), seasonal influenza (43.2%), pneumococcus (4.9%). Most of the patients (87.1%) did not know that proper vaccination has been recommended for patients with IBD. Up to 64.8% and 32.8% of patients were negative for IgG anti-HAV antibody and IgG HBV surface antibody, respectively. In a multivariable analysis, newspaper subscription (aOR [adjusted odds ratio] 2.185, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.136-4.203, P = .019), ever recommendation of vaccination by a physician (aOR 2.456, 95% CI 1.240-4.862, P = .010), and use of anti-tumor necrosis factor agents (aOR 4.966, 95% CI 1.098-22.464, P = .037) showed a significant association with uptake of adult vaccines recommended for patients with IBD.Vaccine uptake rates, positivity of antibody to HAV and HBV, and knowledge of patients with IBD regarding vaccination were not sufficient. Proper educational information and recommendation from physicians could enhance awareness among patients with IBD about the need for vaccination and thereby improve vaccination rates.Trial registration number: NCT01984879.

Prevalence of Anti-Hav IgG Antibodies in the Population of the Łódź Macroregion by Age Group

Abstract Over the last several decades, a gradual decrease in the incidence of hepatitis A and an increase in the population of non-immune people, especially in the group of young people have been observed in Poland. The aim of this study was to assess of the presence of specific anti-hepatitis A virus IgG class antibodies (anti-HAV IgG) in relation to age among non-vaccinated hepatitis A patients. There were statistically significantly more patients up to 45 years of age with anti-HAV IgG negative results than those over 45 years of age, and the Fi-square correlation coefficient (Φ2) was 0.263 between the analyzed variables. The data analysis shows that the number of people with specific IgG antibodies against hepatitis A increases with age. The risk of hepatitis A infection in people under 45 is high due to widespread seronegativity in this age group.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E Viruses among Pregnant Women in Northern Iran.

Background Hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis E viruses (HEV) are endemic in Iran and are known major causes of acute viral hepatitis. Also, during pregnancy, they are associated with severe outcomes. Therefore, it is vital to evaluate the antibody levels against HAV and HEV in pregnant women to avoid severe outcomes incidence. Study design and methods. A total of 247 pregnant women were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. In addition to completing the questionnaire and interviewing all participants, the serum samples were tested for anti-HAV and anti-HEV IgG using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The association between anti-HAV and anti-HEV antibodies status and risk factors was evaluated. Results The mean age of patients was 28.06 ± 5.29 years. Anti-HAV antibody was found in 111 patients (44.9%), while anti-HEV antibody was detected in only two pregnant women (0.8%). The seroprevalence of HAV was inversely related to the level of education. There was no significant correlation between HAV antibody levels and age, marital status, residence location, and pregnancy trimesters. Conclusion Considering many complications of these diseases in pregnancy, the detection of enteroviral hepatitis, especially HAV in pregnant women, is necessary, and therefore, proactive measures, such as promoting education, improving people awareness, and vaccination, are recommended.