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Incidence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in rural Liberia

A M Prince, B Brotman, L Richardson

    Journal of Medical Virology
    |April 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is extremely common in Liberian children, with nearly all infected by age four. This high incidence provides an excellent opportunity for future hepatitis A vaccine trials.

    Area of Science:

    • * Virology and Immunology
    • * Infectious Diseases Epidemiology

    Background:

    • * Hepatitis A virus (HAV) poses a significant global health burden.
    • * Understanding HAV epidemiology in young populations is crucial for vaccine development.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • * To establish baseline data on antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) prevalence and incidence in Liberian infants and children.
    • * To inform the design and feasibility of future hepatitis A vaccine efficacy trials in this region.

    Main Methods:

    • * Sera were collected from Liberian infants (0-4 years) and their mothers at two time points, approximately 14.75 months apart.
    • * Antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) was tested using serological assays.
    • * Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status was also assessed.

    Main Results:

    • * Anti-HAV prevalence increased from 2.5% in 0-6 month olds to 70% in 3-4 year olds.
    • * Annual incidence of new HAV infections was 35% in the first year and averaged 45% in subsequent years.
    • * Hepatitis B virus infection did not impact HAV seroconversion rates; dual infections were clinically inapparent.

    Conclusions:

    • * Liberian children experience an exceptionally high incidence of hepatitis A virus infection.
    • * The study population is well-suited for vaccine efficacy trials due to the high infection rate.
    • * No clinical illness was observed in subjects who seroconverted or had dual HAV/HBV infections.

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