Adult infection with hepatitis A despite declining endemicity; in favor of adult vaccination

Vaccine. 2002 May 22;20(17-18):2243-8. doi: 10.1016/s0264-410x(02)00109-3.

Abstract

Seropositivity against hepatitis A was examined among 4806 standing army personnel (4497 males and 309 females) during 1998-1999. Each bi-annual birth cohort examined showed a decline in seropositivity compared to the previous one. When compared with a study performed in 1989, however, for each of the 1961-1962, 1963-1964, 1965-1966, 1967-1968 and 1969-1970 birth cohorts examined, the 1998-1999 study showed 5-15% higher seropositivity. This trend remained after controlling for differences between the two studies in ethnic origin, sibship size and level of education. The overall seroconversion rate is estimated as 1.15% per year and the clinical to subclinical ratio as 1:14. Thus, hepatitis A infection continues to occur in the young adult age group and vaccination of this group should be considered.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Endemic Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Hepatitis A / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis A / immunology
  • Hepatitis A / prevention & control*
  • Hepatitis A / virology
  • Hepatitis A Antibodies / blood
  • Hepatitis A Vaccines / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Israel / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Military Personnel
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Vaccination
  • Vaccines, Inactivated / immunology

Substances

  • Hepatitis A Antibodies
  • Hepatitis A Vaccines
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Vaccines, Inactivated