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Hepatitis A virus infection in Taipei in 1999.
- Source :
-
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi [J Formos Med Assoc] 2001 Sep; Vol. 100 (9), pp. 604-7. - Publication Year :
- 2001
-
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 antihepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) seropositivity in Taipei in 1999.<br />Methods: A total of 1017 serum samples from healthy inhabitants in Taipei were examined for anti-HAV antibody by qualitative enzyme immunoassay.<br />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%).<br />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.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0929-6646
- Volume :
- 100
- Issue :
- 9
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 11695275