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Seroepidemiology of hepatitis A in Delhi
A K Dutta1, A Aggarwal, A K Kapoor
1Department of Pediatrics, Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi.
Insights
Hepatitis A antibody (anti-HAV Ab) prevalence is high in Delhi children, reaching 80% by age five. Early childhood (0.5-1.5 years) shows the highest vulnerability to anti-HAV Ab positivity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding age-specific antibody prevalence is crucial for vaccination strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the age-specific prevalence of anti-hepatitis A antibodies (anti-HAV Abs) in children in Delhi.
- To identify factors influencing anti-HAV Ab positivity.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 420 children aged 0-12 years and 30 cord blood samples.
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) used to detect anti-HAV Abs.
- Univariate and multivariate analyses performed to assess influencing factors.
Main Results:
- 100% of cord blood samples were positive for anti-HAV Abs.
- Anti-HAV Ab prevalence reached 80% by 5 years of age.
- The most vulnerable age group for anti-HAV Ab positivity was 0.5-1.5 years.
- Age and father's education (socioeconomic status) were significant factors affecting prevalence.
- Sex, water supply, and jaundice history did not significantly affect positivity.
Conclusions:
- High anti-HAV Ab prevalence by age five suggests widespread exposure in Delhi children.
- Early childhood is a critical window for anti-HAV Ab acquisition.
- Further research across diverse populations is needed to inform optimal HAV vaccination schedules.
Abstract:
A prospective study was done to determine the age specific prevalence of antihepatitis A antibodies (anti HAV Abs) among children in Delhi. Four hundred and twenty children aged 0-12 years attending outpatient department for vaccination or any minor illness were studied. Sera was tested by ELISA for anti HAV Abs using a commercial kit (Hepvase A 96 TMB). Thirty samples of cord blood were similarly analyzed. All samples of cord blood were positive for anti HAV Abs. Prevalence of anti HAV Abs was 80% by 5 years of age. The most vulnerable age group was 0.5-1.5 years (anti HAV Ab positivity). Cord blood had 100% positivity. Univariate and multivariate analyses taking anti HAV antibody positivity as dependant variable demonstrated that age and father's education (socioeconomic status) significantly affect prevalence of anti HAV Abs. Sex, water supply, history of jaundice in self or family did not have any significant effect on anti HAV antibody positivity. Prevalence of anti HAV antibodies is 80% by 5 years of age. Further studies in different strata of society and different regions in the country are required to assess the need and age for vaccination.