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Childhood epidemiology of hepatitis A virus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

M Khalil1, Y Al-Mazrou, M Al-Jeffri

  • 1Departments of Preventive Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia.

Annals of Saudi Medicine
|March 8, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) exposure in Saudi children has decreased, with 30.2% testing positive for anti-HAV antibodies. Higher prevalence was observed in older children and those from lower social levels, indicating a shift to an intermediate exposure pattern.

Area of Science:

  • * Epidemiology
  • * Public Health
  • * Immunology

Background:

  • * Hepatitis A virus (HAV) remains a significant public health concern globally.
  • * Understanding seroprevalence patterns is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To determine the prevalence of anti-HAV IgG antibodies in children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • * To identify demographic and epidemiological factors associated with HAV infection in this population.

Main Methods:

  • * Cross-sectional study involving 592 children aged 6 months to 15 years.
  • * Analysis of serum samples for anti-HAV IgG antibodies.
  • * Collection of epidemiological data via questionnaires.

Main Results:

  • * Overall prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies was 30.2% (179/592 children).
  • * Prevalence increased significantly with age (13-20% in children ≤6 years vs. 32-49% in ages 7-15).
  • * Positive HAV status was associated with lower social level, jaundice history, travel abroad, and non-Saudi nationality.

Conclusions:

  • * A significant decrease in HAV exposure is evident in Saudi children, shifting from a high to an intermediate endemicity pattern.
  • * Age, socioeconomic status, and travel history are key factors influencing HAV exposure.
  • * National prevention strategies require evaluation in light of these changing epidemiological trends.

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