Korean J Pediatr.  2007 Mar;50(3):262-267. 10.3345/kjp.2007.50.3.262.

An epidemiologic study on the seropositive rate of hepatitis A virus among a selected group of children and adults in Busan

• Kwon YO
• Choi IJ
• Jung JW
• Park JH

• KMID: 2279245
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2007.50.3.262

Abstract

PURPOSE: The prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in a certain community reflects that community's living standards and hygienic conditions. And the pattern of HAV infection differs over time and geography. Recently, a shift in prevalence has been observed in cases from chilhood to adulthood. We studied the HAV antibody prevalence in the general population in Busan.
METHODS
From October 2004 to March 2005, total 472 subjects were tested for HAV antibodies. All samples were collected from patients in Maryknol Hospital.
RESULTS
The overall seropositive rate was 22.8% (108/472). The seropositive rates were 1.7% in subjects aged 2-5 years, 1.7% in 6-10 years, 0% in 11-20 years, 40.5% in 21-30 years, 82.1% in 31- 40 years, 94.7% in 41-50 years, and 100% in subjects aged over 50 years. There was no significant gap between gender groups.
CONCLUSION
As the socioeconomic conditions in Korea have improved, the HAV seropositive rate in school-aged children has dramatically decreased in the last 20 years. But, the seropositive rate of HAV didn't differ according to gender. The seropositive rate of HAV in the pediatric group was very low, which suggests the increasing possibility of clinical HAV infection in adults in the near future. Therefore, we should actively prevent the spread of hepatits A virus. In order to do that, we need to reorganize our lifestyle and personel hygiene and carry out active and passive immunization to high risk groups.

Keyword

Hepatitis A; Seroepidemiologic study

MeSH Terms

Adult*
Antibodies
Busan*
Child*
Epidemiologic Studies*
Geography
Hepatitis A virus*
Hepatitis A*
Hepatitis*
Humans
Hygiene
Immunization, Passive
Korea
Life Style
Prevalence
Seroepidemiologic Studies
Socioeconomic Factors
Antibodies