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Hepatitis A virus infection -- shifting epidemiology.
Waheed-uz-Zaman Tariq1, Agha Babar Hussain, Tassawar Hussain
1Department of Virology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi. waheedzt@hotmail.com
Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
|January 31, 2006
Summary
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is prevalent in young individuals, with a significant number of cases occurring in those over 18 years old. This study highlights seasonal variations and outbreaks, particularly linked to contaminated food consumption.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the age distribution and seasonal patterns of HAV infection is crucial for effective control strategies.
- Previous understanding suggested universal immunity by age 18, but recent trends may indicate otherwise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the age distribution of individuals with Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection.
- To investigate seasonal variations in the prevalence of acute viral hepatitis caused by HAV.
- To identify demographic trends in HAV infection, including outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study design was employed.
- Data were collected from 626 patients with suspected HAV infection at the Virology Department, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi, from July 2003 to June 2004.
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) IgM antibodies were detected using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA).
Main Results:
- The overall positive rate for HAV IgM was 40.57% (252/626).
- Positive cases ranged in age from 3 to 27 years, with a notable trend in individuals over 18.
- A statistically significant seasonal variation in positivity rates was observed, and an outbreak affecting 44 children in two schools was documented.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection affects a considerable proportion of young people presenting with suspected infection.
- There is an emerging trend of Hepatitis A in individuals over 18 years, contrasting with previous assumptions of universal immunity.
- Outbreaks, potentially linked to the consumption of polluted food, are occurring in age groups previously considered immune.