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. 2019 Jan-Feb;39(1):37-41.
doi: 10.5144/0256-4947.2019.37.

Hepatitis A immunity in Yozgat, Turkey

Çigdem Kader  1 , Ayse Yesim Göçmen, Münire Islak Demir, Nuriye Yalçin Çolak, Sebnem Eren Gök, Fatma Inci Arkan, Mehmet Yldrm Sara, Ayse Erbay
Affiliations

Hepatitis A immunity in Yozgat, Turkey

Çigdem Kader et al. Ann Saudi Med. 2019 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

Background: Since routine immunization could change the epidemiological profile of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in the future, it is important to determine the baseline immunity to HAV across Turkey.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A among individuals 6 years of age and older in Yozgat, Turkey.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Community in central region of Turkey.

Patients and methods: Questionnaires and blood specimens were collected and the presence of hepatitis A IgG antibodies against hepatitis A virus was determined quantitatively by ELISA.

Main outcome measures: The rates of hepatitis A immunity by age group.

Sample size: 1862.

Results: Immunity to hepatitis A was 79.1% (n=1473). The mean (SD) age was 17.1 (14.7) years in the nonimmune group and 37.8 (19.5) years in the immune group (P less than .001), and immunity increased with age. No significant difference in immunity rate was detected between gen.ders in children and adults. The seropositivity rate for subjects ages 6-19 years was lower than in subjects aged 20-96 years (52.2% versus 93.9%; P less than .001).

Conclusion: A catch-up vaccination program is needed for persons aged 6-19 years in Yozgat.

Limitations: Single region data which can not be generalized. For this reason, a multi-centered study that can reflect the whole country is recommended.

Conflict of interest: None.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Hepatitis A serostatus proportions by age (only 2 and 1 subjects for ages 85 and 86 years, respectively). Vertical line at 20 years.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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