Seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus antibody in a population aged 0-30 years in Shanghai, China: implications for hepatitis A immunization

Epidemiol Infect. 2013 Mar;141(3):556-62. doi: 10.1017/S0950268812001161. Epub 2012 Jun 12.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine current seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibody in subjects aged 0-30 years in Shanghai. A total of 5515 subjects were recruited through random clustering sampling in 2009. Basic clinical and demographic information and records of HAV vaccination were acquired by questionnaire interviews and review of immunization records. Serum samples were collected and tested for anti-HAV IgM and total anti-HAV. The overall seroprevalence of total anti-HAV was 52·9%. Subjects aged 20-24 years had the lowest (34·4%) anti-HAV seropositivity and subjects aged 5-9 years had the highest (74·6%) positivity. Seroprevalence was significantly greater in subjects from suburban areas than in subjects from urban areas. Subjects who had HAV immunizations had significantly greater seropositivity for total anti-HAV. Previous hepatitis A immunization policies had a significant impact on the presence of anti-HAV seroprevalence in a population aged 0-30 years from Shanghai.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Hepatitis A / blood
  • Hepatitis A / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis A / immunology*
  • Hepatitis A Antibodies / blood*
  • Hepatitis A Virus, Human / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Suburban Population / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data
  • Vaccination*
  • Viral Hepatitis Vaccines
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hepatitis A Antibodies
  • Viral Hepatitis Vaccines