The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A among preschool children in an urban setting in Turkey

J Trop Pediatr. 2002 Jun;48(3):180-2. doi: 10.1093/tropej/48.3.180.

Abstract

The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus (HAV) was investigated in 114 children (59.7 per cent males) aged 4-6 years, in the campus area of Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey. The prevalence of hepatitis A antibody in this age group was 11.4 per cent (13/114). The rate of immunized children against hepatitis A was 3.65 per cent (5/137). In conclusion the prevalence of anti-HAV demonstrates the susceptibility of other preschool children to hepatitis A. This may be a cause for considering hepatitis A vaccination before preschool attendance in Turkey.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hepatitis A / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis A / immunology*
  • Hepatitis A Antibodies / blood*
  • Hepatitis A Virus, Human / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Turkey / epidemiology
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Hepatitis A Antibodies
  • Immunoglobulin G