The Age-specific Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A Virus Antibody in Korea.
- Author:
Young Bong SONG
1
;
Joon Hyoek LEE
;
Moon Seok CHOI
;
Kwang Cheol KOH
;
Seung Woon PAIK
;
Byung Chul YOO
;
Yoon Ho CHOI
;
Hee Jung SOHN
;
Kyung Han LEE
;
Jong Chul RHEE
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. gijhlee@smc.samsung.co.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article ; English Abstract
- Keywords:
Hepatitis A;
Seroepidemiologic study;
Hepatitis A Antibodies;
Korean
- MeSH:
Adult;
Age Factors;
Aged;
Demography;
Female;
Hepatitis A/prevention & control;
Hepatitis A Antibodies/*blood;
Hepatitis A Virus, Human/*immunology;
Humans;
Korea;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Seroepidemiologic Studies
- From:The Korean Journal of Hepatology
2007;13(1):27-33
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The epidemiology of hepatitis A is associated with socioeconomic and hygiene status. Recently, the prevalence of hepatitis A in young adults has been steadily increasing in Korea. This study is to investigate the age-specific seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus in Korea. METHODS: Stored sera from 250 healthy adult subjects who visited the health promotion center in Samsung Medical Center between July and August 2006 were tested for IgG hepatitis A virus antibody (anti-HAV). RESULTS: The prevalence of anti-HAV was 2%, 72%, 92%, 94%, 100% in 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, and 60's, respectively. The prevalence of anti-HAV was significantly lower in subjects below age 40 compared to those above 40 (37.0% vs. 95.3%, p<0.001). The seroprevalence was higher in area outside of Seoul compared to those living in Seoul in age group below 40 (25.6% vs. 55.6%, p=0.01). In Seoul area, the prevalence was significantly lower in Kangnam-Gu, Seocho-Gu, and Songpa-Gu district compared to the other areas of Seoul in the age group below 40 (20.0% vs. 42.1%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus antibody in Korean population below 40 is quite low and immunity to hepatitis A virus in those subjects can be a public health issue. In view of changing seroepidemiology, a policy for hepatitis A vaccination in population below 40 might be warranted.
