HAV in Isfahan province: a population-based study

Hepatitis A infection is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Improved sanitary conditions have resulted in a significant decline in the incidence of hepatitis A. There is inadequate data about the epidemiology of this infection in Iran. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the anti-HAV seroprevalence in Isfahan Province in Iran in 2006.

In a cross-sectional study, 816 subjects over 6 years from urban and rural areas of the Isfahan Province in 2006 using the multi-stage cluster sampling method were selected. Demographic data and blood samples were collected and anti-HAV antibodies were measured by ELISA. Chi-square, odds ratio and logistic regression tests were used for statistical analysis and a p value<0.05 was considered significant.

The subjects of this study included 428 female and 388 male subjects. The overall anti-HAV seroprevalence rate was 8.33%. There were statistical differences between HAV seropositivity in districts of Isfahan province; the highest seropositivity was seen in Borkhar and Meimeh (28.6%) (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in HAV seropositivity between the subjects grouped according to demographic factors.

HAV seroprevalence in Isfahan province is not high that can caused by improved sanitary conditions. More studeis in other parts of Iran are needed to set new strategy for post exposure prophylaxis and hepatitis A vaccination.