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Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Article Title

The Prevalence of Hepatitis A in the Elazig Region

DOI

-

Abstract

In this study, the prevalence of Hepatitis A among different age groups was studied. Information obtained from such seroepidemiological studies is needed to determine the optimal age group where a general vaccination would be advisable. For the study, serum samples were taken from 941 people between the ages of 0 and 18 years old living in ElazİÛ city and surrounding villages. In the area, the general prevalance of anti-HAV (antibodies against hepatetis A virus) was 72.5% in people between 0 and 18 years old. At ages 1 and 6, positivity was 12.1% and 72.5%, respectively, whereas the rate was 100 % at age 14 and over. Antibody titers did not differ significantly between males and females (P>0.05). It is our belief that high antibody titers against HAV in our area might be releated to the low socioeconomic and hygeinic conditions. After a more detailed prevalence study, combined vaccination could be useful in lowering the frequency of HAV infection.

Keywords

Hepatitis A, prevalence, Elazig region

First Page

375

Last Page

378

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