Evaluation of the Prevalence of Hepatitis A in Samsun Vicinity

Abstract

Objective: Acute viral hepatitis A (HAV) infection is a public health issue seen most commonly in childhood in autumn and early winter. In this study, our objective was to search hepatitis A seroprevalence in various age groups, in terms of regional relationship between socioeconomic status and seasonal distribution in our vicinity. Materials and Methods: 4664 serum samples that were sent to ELISA laboratories between January 2009 and December 2012 were included in the study. The serum samples were daily studied by electrochemiluminescence tests (Roche Cobas 6000 e601, Germany) for anti HAV IgM and with chemiluminescence tests (Abbott I200, USA) for HAV IgG following the manufacturers' instructions. Anti HAV IgM positive-patients were regarded as acute, anti HAV IgG positive-patients were regarded as previously infected, and seronegative patients for both tests were regarded as negative patients. The distribution of patients by town were calculated considering the data from the Address-Based Population Registration System (Turkish Statistical Institute). Chi Square test was used for statistical analysis of the results of regional, age and seasonal distribution. Results: Eighteen (1%) patients were positive for HAV IgM and 1777 (38.1%) were positive for HAV IgG. Thirteen (72%) of HAV IgM-positive patients were childhood, 1279 (72%) of HAV IgG-positive patients were in adulthood. The rate of HAV IgG-positive cases was determined to be significantly high (p<0.001) in 0-5 and 30-35 age groups. Significantly higher positivity of anti HAV IgG was seen in May (10.6%), January (10.1%) and March (9.9%). Comparing to the other months, significantly higher positivity of anti HAV IgM was determined to be in January (33.3), July (22.2%) and October (22.1%) (p=0.004). The distribution of anti HAV IgG-positive cases in our city was detected to be significantly higher in Ilkadim, Carsamba and Vezirkopru comparing to the other towns (p<0.001). The distribution of anti HAV IgM positive cases was significantly higher in Canik, Carsamba and Vezirkopru(p=0.007). Conclusion: In our vicinity with a lower socioeconomic status, higher positivity rates in winter and autumn along with some positive cases in summer and infections at early ages were observed. However, it is concluded that, especially when concerning hygiene, training the citizens and food manufacturers and sellers and strict inspections of food processing, preparation and sales places can be effective in reducing fecal and oral contamination.