Korean J Pediatr Infect Dis.  2005 May;12(1):61-66. 10.14776/kjpid.2005.12.1.61.

A Seroepidemiologic Study on Hepatitis A in Phohang, Korea

• Bae SH
• Kwon YD
• Kang HS
• Oh SH
• Lee SJ
• Hong JY

• KMID: 2440041
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14776/kjpid.2005.12.1.61

Abstract

PURPOSE
Since hepatitis A virus almost is transmitted by fecal-to-oral route, individual and public sanitation affects the prevalence and ages of hepatitis A infection. We researched the positivity rate of hepatitis A antibody at Pohang to make the basic data for subclinical infection and vaccination schedule.
METHODS
From January 2004 to February 2005, a total of 603 patients who were admitted at Hangdong University Sunlin Hospital, Dongguk University Hospital, and Christianity Hospital without any hepatic disease and vaccination of hepatitis A were enrolled. IgG antibody to hepatitis A virus were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay(ECLIA).
RESULTS
Among 603 patients, 523 patients were less than 15 year of age and 80 patients were in above 15 years. The prevalence rate was 19.3%(101/523) in pediatric group and 70.0%(56/80) in above 15 years. In detail, the prevalence rate was 73.2%(52/71) in 0~5 months, 14.9%(11/74) in 6~11 month, 8.9%(7/79) in 12~17 month, 7.3%(6/82) in 18~23 month, 5.5%(4/72) in 2~3 years, 12.1%(9/74) in 4~8 years, 16.9%(12/71) in 9~14 years, 52.5%(19/40) in 15~29 years, and 92.5%(37/40) in group aged over 30 years. The prevalence rates in male and female showed no significant differences.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence rate of hepatitis A in the group of 4~8 years and 9~14 years at Pohang was lower comparing with previous reports of other cities in Korea. We can postulate that the sanitation of children living at Pohang is at least not bad than other cities. And for the prevalence rate of hepatitis A is increased after 3 years, we should recommend that the vaccination of hepatitis A may be finished until 3 years.

Keyword

Hepatitis A; Prevalence rate

MeSH Terms

Appointments and Schedules
Asymptomatic Infections
Child
Christianity
Female
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Hepatitis A virus
Hepatitis A*
Hepatitis*
Humans
Immunoglobulin G
Korea*
Male
Prevalence
Sanitation
Seroepidemiologic Studies*
Vaccination
Immunoglobulin G