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Age-specific prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A in rural and urban population of Malekan city
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Seyedhasan Montazam   1, Maghsoud Kafshounchi , Asghar Tanoumand |
| 1- , montazam2004@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (16937 Views) |
Background: The prevalence rate of HAV is different in various areas. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroepidemiology of HAV in the rural and urban population of Malekan city in Iran. We determined the age-related prevalence of anti-HAV among Malekan people and examine some of the factors that influence its transmission in the community.
Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional study, blood samples of 346 subjects who were residing in Malekan city, were collected. Total HAV Ab and HAV IgM were estimated by ELISA method.
Results: Totally, 63 (23.9%) of the subjects had positive HAV Ab total, eventhough, HAV IgM was negative in all subjects. There was no significant difference in HAV prevalence between males and females (21.2% vs 26.5%). The age-specific rates, which were similar in both sexes, indicated the lowest rate in 0-6 year’s group (1.2%) with a strong increase in the older age group (27.2%). There was a marked regional variation in anti-HAV prevalence. The level of education of parents and, of course, the subject had the strongest influence on HAV prevalence.
Conclusion: There is a wide geographic distribution in HAV prevalence. The low overall HAV prevalence in children confirms that In Iran, endemicity for HAV infection has been reduced, partly due to the recent improvement in the socioeconomic standards of its population. |
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| Keywords: Hepatitis A, HAV Ab Total, ELISA, HAV IgM. |
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Full-Text [PDF 127 kb]
(4870 Downloads)
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Subject:
Nutrition Sciences
Received: 2006/09/6 | Published: 2007/04/15
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