Hepatitis A seroprevalence and demographics in Turkish children in Ankara |
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Authors: | Rukiye U Sac Ilknur Bostanc Yldz Dallar Goksin Cihan and Ozlem Atl |
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Institution: | Department of Pediatrics; and Division of Allergy-Immunology, Ministry of Health, Ankara Training and Research Hospital; , Ministry of Health, Ankara Numune Hospital, Family Practice Clinic; and Department of Pediatrics, Ministry of Health, Zübeyde Han?m Maternity Hospital, Ankara, Turkey |
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Abstract: | Background: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the most common cause of hepatitis in childhood and an important public health problem. The objective of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A and patient demographics in children between 1 and 15 years old who were admitted to a pediatric outpatient clinic in Ankara, Turkey. Methods: Hepatitis IgM and G antibodies were determined in the sera of children who attended the outpatient clinic. Informed consent was obtained from all subjects or their parents. Results: The mean age of the children ( n = 335) was 7.9 ± 2.1 years; 47.5% of them were girls. The overall anti-HAV IgG prevalence in children aged 1–15 years was 47.2%. The positivity of hepatitis A IgM was highest in the 6–10 years age group (22.7%; P < 0.001). HAV IgG was highest in the 11–15 years age group (69.4%; P < 0.001). A total of 95.6% of the children had social insurance, 49.3% were living in poverty. The socioeconomic level of 82.4% of subjects was low. The history of hepatitis in their families was 6.9%. Conclusions: Hepatitis A is intermediate endemic in Ankara and children must be vaccinated before school age, in addition to health education and improved sanitation. |
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Keywords: | children demographics hepatitis A seroprevalence Turkey |
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