Author/Authors :
Saffar, M.J. mazandaran university of medical sciences - Department of Paediatrics, ساري, ايران , Farhadi, R. mazandaran university of medical sciences - Department of Paediatrics, ساري, ايران , Saffar, H. mazandaran university of medical sciences - Department of Paediatrics, ساري, ايران , Ajami, A. mazandaran university of medical sciences - Department of Immunology, ساري, ايران , Khalilian, A.R. mazandaran university of medical sciences - Department of Biostatistics, ساري, ايران , Babamahmodi, F. mazandaran university of medical sciences - Department of Infectious Diseases, ساري, ايران
Abstract :
The seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus infection (HEV) in children and young adults was determined in a community-based survey in an area of northern Islamic Republic of Iran. Serum samples were taken from 1080 randomly selected apparently healthy 2–25-year-olds from urban and rural regions of Sari district. Anti-HEV IgG antibodies were detected in 25 individuals (2.3%). Seroprevalence increased significantly with age from 3/255 (1.2%) in children 10 years to 8/110 (7.3%) in those aged 20–25 years. No differences in HEV status were noted between the sexes. Earlier age at exposure to infection and a higher infection rate were found in people residing in rural areas than in urban areas.
