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Anti-hepatitis A virus seroprevalence and seroconversion in a cohort of patients with chronic viral hepatitis

T Stroffolini1, P L Almasio, R Di Stefano

  • 1Epidemiology Laboratory, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, S Giacomo Hospital, Italy.

Digestive and Liver Disease : Official Journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
|October 31, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibody screening is unnecessary for Italian patients over 50 with chronic liver disease, as most have prior exposure. Seroconversion rates vary between hepatitis B and C patients but show no clinical impact.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection poses significant risks for patients with chronic hepatitis C, including fulminant hepatitis or death.
  • Conversely, HAV infections are typically uncomplicated in individuals with chronic hepatitis B.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies and the incidence of HAV seroconversion.
  • To assess these outcomes in a nationwide cohort of 530 patients with chronic hepatitis B and/or C, initially susceptible to HAV.

Main Methods:

  • A nationwide sample of 530 patients with chronic hepatitis B and/or C was followed for several years.
  • Prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies and incidence of HAV seroconversion were evaluated.
  • Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibody status were recorded.

Main Results:

  • Overall anti-HAV prevalence was 85.7%, with near-universal exposure by age 50.
  • After a mean follow-up of 76 months, the seroconversion rate was 1.2 per 100 person/years.
  • Seroconversion rates were 0.3 per 100 person/years for HBsAg-positive individuals and 3.36 per 100 person/years for anti-HCV-positive individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Italian patients over 50 with chronic liver disease demonstrate high prior exposure to HAV.
  • Routine anti-HAV screening is not recommended for this demographic.
  • No clinically evident disease or liver disease deterioration was observed in seroconverters.
Abstract

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