Korean J Pediatr Infect Dis.  1998 Nov;5(2):239-244. 10.14776/kjpid.1998.5.2.239.

Prevalence of Antibodies to Hepatitis A in the Healthy Children in Inchon-Kyunggi Prefecture

• Kwon YS
• Hong YJ
• Choe YH
• Kim SK
• Son BK
• Kang MS
• Pai SH
• Hong KS

• KMID: 2440290
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14776/kjpid.1998.5.2.239

Abstract

PURPOSE
The incidence of hepatitis A virus infection in Korea has decreased recently. However, the prevalence in children and young adults is on an increasing trend in Inchon-Kyunggi prefecture. Economic development that leads to better living conditions and improves hygiene facilities has reduced the rate of HAV infection. This study was designed to evaluate the recent seroprevalence rate of hepatitis A in children and adolescents.
METHODS
Study population consisted of 612 children and adolescents aged 1 to 17 years in Inchon-Kyunggi prefecture. Serum samples were collected between 1996 and 1997 and tested for anti HAV by Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay(MEIA).
RESULTS
According to age, the seropositive rates were 10.5%(male 13%, female 6.7%) in 1 year-old group, 0% in 3, 5, 11 and 13 year-old group, 6%(male 8%, female 4%) in 15 year-old group, and 11%(male 14%, female 8%) in 17 year-old group.
CONCLUSION
This study showed that seropositive rate of HAV infection increased with age. While it revealed extremely low incidence of HAV infection in children less than 13 years old, they are also likely to be exposed to the infection. Our findings suggest that the effective administration of vaccination is needed in selected and high risk groups.

Keyword

Hepatitis A; Children; Seroprevalence rate; Vaccination

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Antibodies*
Child*
Economic Development
Female
Hepatitis A Antibodies
Hepatitis A virus
Hepatitis A*
Hepatitis*
Humans
Hygiene
Incidence
Korea
Prevalence*
Seroepidemiologic Studies
Social Conditions
Vaccination
Young Adult
Antibodies
Hepatitis A Antibodies