Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A Virus among Healthy Individuals in Birjand, Eastern Region of Iran

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is an epidemiological important infectious agent in the world. HAV incidence can be controlled by cognizance of the geographic distribution pattern. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of HAV infection in Birjand. Methods: A total of 496 healthy individuals (mean age: 39.34 ± 15.47, range: 15 - 70 years, M/F ratio: 0.68) were randomly enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Demographic data were collected and the presence of anti-HAV total antibody was determined by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Overall, the prevalence of positive serum anti-HAV antibody was 92.78%, however, the rate for 15 - 24 years subjects was 69%. There was a significant positive correlation between presence of anti-HAV antibody with age (P < 0.001), marriage (P < 0.001), education (P = 0.001) and anti-Hbc antibodies (P = 0.007). Conclusions: The result of this study showed a high prevalence of HAV antibody in most people, except for young adults, which can be an alarming sign for a higher rate of complicated HAV infections in the future and needs a proper strategy.