Hepatitis a virus infection in Taipei in 1999
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
Journal Volume
100
Journal Issue
9
Pages
604-607
Date Issued
2001
Author(s)
Tseng H.-Y.
Yeh C.-C.
Lin S.-C.
Shih W.-Y.
Wu S.-Y.
Abstract
Background and purpose: Hepatitis A is a disease that is heavily affected by sanitation status. Hepatitis A is much less prevalent compared with decades ago in Taiwan, as in many rapidly developing regions. Hepatitis A vaccine is still self-paid under the National Health Insurance program and is still not widely utilized by the general public in Taiwan. This seroepidemiologic study evaluated the prevalence of anti-hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) seropositivity in Taipei in 1999. Methods: A total of 1017 serum samples from healthy inhabitants in Taipei were examined for anti-HAV antibody by qualitative enzyme immunoassay. Results: The overall seroprevalence rate was 25.2% (255/1013) in the nonvaccinated population. The seropositivity rate for anti-HAV antibody among children younger than 12 months old was 23.3%. The rates dropped to between 1% and 4.8% among subjects between 1 and 20 years of age. A markedly higher rate of 40% was observed in subjects aged between 20 and 30 years. The seropositivity rate in subjects aged 31 to 50 was 80%. More than 90% of subjects older than 50 years were seropositive. The vaccination rate was low (0.5%). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that Taipei is an area of intermediate endemicity for hepatitis A virus. To achieve better herd immunity, a more active approach to the adoption of hepatitis A vaccine is warranted.
SDGs
Other Subjects
hepatitis A vaccine; virus antibody; adult; age; antibody detection; article; blood sampling; child; controlled study; endemic disease; enzyme immunoassay; female; hepatitis A; human; human experiment; infant; male; normal human; seroepidemiology; seroprevalence; Taiwan; vaccination; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis A Vaccines; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Taiwan; Time Factors; Travel; Vaccination
Type
journal article