Changing pattern of hepatitis a virus epidemiology in an area of high endemicity |
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Authors: | Marcello Campagna Andrea Siddu Angelo Meloni Claudia Basciu Luigi Ferrai Alessandro Pettinau Cristiana Cardia Giuseppina Masia Rosa Cristina Coppola |
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Institution: | Department of Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy. |
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Abstract: | BackgroundContinuous assessment of hepatitis A virus (HAV) seroepidemiology is a useful tool to control the risk of infection.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the changing patterns of anti-HAV seroprevalence in a population,which isgenerally considered to be anarea ofhigh endemicity.Patients and MethodsOverall, the results of 3349 sera collected during the period 2005-2008 from patients attending the University Hospital of Cagliari, Italy were studied; their mean age was 52.7 years, (s + 16.22). Patients with liver disease were excluded from the study. Age specific seroprevalence results were compared with those observed in similar previous studies carried out in the same area.ResultsThe overall prevalence of anti-HAV was 74.6% with consistently lower values in subjects younger than 40 years (17.5%; P < 0.0001) particularly in those under 30 years of age (8.9%, CI 5.8-11.9). A significant declining trend in age specific seroprevalence has been foundin people under 30 years;61% in 1988, 33% in 1995 and 8.9% in 2005-2008.ConclusionsOur findings show that a significant decline inherd immunity has occurred in the last 20 years as a consequence of lower HAV circulation due to improvementsin socio-economical and hygienic conditions. Adolescents and young adults are becoming increasingly susceptible to HAV infections, as recent outbreaks of acute HAV hepatitis have occurred. Persistent environmental monitoring and the implementation of prevention measures must be considered in order to contain the risk related to this epidemiological shift. |
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Keywords: | Hepatitis A Epidemiology Immunity Herd Preventive Measures |
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