Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A in 7-10 Year-old Children

Objective: Hepatitis A is one of the most common infections during childhood, especially indeveloping countries. Regarding the high prevalence of the disease in Iran, this study wasperformed to detect the rate of the contact of the children of Zanjan/Iran with the virus of hepatitisA (HAV).Material Methods: In a cross-sectional study, total anti HAV was assayed by ELISA method inserum samples of 300 children, aged 7-10 years, selected by multistage random sampling. Theresults 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%) hadserum antibody against Hepatitis A. Of these children, 42%, 45.4% and 45.3% were 7-8, 8-9 and9-10 years of age, respectively. No significant difference was found among age groups or betweensex groups.Conclusion: According to this study, 44.3% of 7-10 year-old children have had previous contactwith 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 andneighboring countries, that have high prevalence of disease, revision of national preventionprotocol is recommended.