1 research outputs found
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A in 7-10 year-old children
Objective: Hepatitis A is one of the most common infections during
childhood, especially in developing countries. Regarding the high
prevalence of the disease in Iran, this study was performed to detect
the rate of the contact of the children of Zanjan/Iran with the virus
of hepatitis A (HAV).Material & Methods: In a cross-sectional
study, total anti HAV was assayed by ELISA method in serum samples of
300 children, aged 7-10 years, selected by multistage random sampling.
The results were statistically analyzed. 27 children did not agree to
participate in the study.Findings: Out of 273 samples, including 134
males and 139 females, 121 children (44.3%) had serum antibody against
Hepatitis A. Of these children, 42%, 45.4% and 45.3% were 7-8, 8-9 and
9-10 years of age, respectively. No significant difference was found
among age groups or between sex groups.Conclusion: According to this
study, 44.3% of 7-10 year-old children have had previous contact with
hepatitis A virus. This shows a high rate of seronegativity and
sensitivity in adult community. Therefore, especially with regard to
the high frequency of travels of the people between Iran and
neighboring countries, that have high prevalence of disease, revision
of national prevention protocol is recommended