Serosurvey for hepatitis A in neotropical primates in southeast Brazil

Abstract

Background Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the cause of a zoonotic disease, which has only humans and non-humans primates as its natural hosts. Methods The seroprevalence of antibodies anti-HAV in wild and captive neotropical primates were investigated. Results 4.9% (18/369) were positive for antibodies anti-HAV, in captivity. Conclusion Implications for health managements are discussed.We would like to thank Dr. Alcides Pissinatti, from Primatology Center of Rio de Janeiro (CPRJ), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) and all institutions that have supported and allowed the collection of samples. The author would also thank FAPESP for financial support (Grants 01/00149-7) and the Brazil Environmental Agency (IBAMA 02027/003259/0248)