Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis A virus in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

SUMMARYThe prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus (HAV) was assessed in a nationwide sample (n=6229) in The Netherlands in 2006–2007, and compared to the seroprevalence in a similar study in 1995–1996 (n=7376). The overall seroprevalence increased from 34% in 1995–1996 to 39% in 2006–2007, mainly due to vaccination of travellers and an increased immigrant population. Risk factors remain travelling to, and originating from, endemic regions, and vaccination is targeted currently at these risk groups. Our results show a trend of increasing age of the susceptible population. These people would also benefit from HAV vaccination because they are likely to develop clinically serious symptoms after infection, and are increasingly at risk of exposure through imported viruses through foods or travellers. The cost-effectiveness of adding elderly people born after the Second World War as a target group for prophylactic vaccination to reduce morbidity and mortality after HAV infection should be assessed.

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Genetic variability of hepatitis A virus

Journal of General Virology ◽

10.1099/vir.0.19532-0 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 84 (12) ◽

pp. 3191-3201 ◽

Cited By ~ 103

Author(s):

Mauro Costa-Mattioli ◽

Anna Di Napoli ◽

Virginie Ferré ◽

Sylviane Billaudel ◽

Raul Perez-Bercoff ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Variation ◽

Molecular Biology ◽

Genetic Variability ◽

Molecular Epidemiology ◽

Mutation Rate ◽

Hepatitis A ◽

Hepatitis A Virus ◽

Genetic Recombination ◽

Classification Methods ◽

Evolutionary Mechanisms

Knowledge of the molecular biology of hepatitis A virus (HAV) has increased exponentially since its identification. HAV exploits all known mechanisms of genetic variation to ensure survival, including mutation and genetic recombination. HAV has been characterized by the emergence of different genotypes, three human antigenic variants and only one major serotype. This paper reviews the genetic variability and molecular epidemiology of HAV. Its evolutionary mechanisms are described with particular emphasis on genetic recombination and HAV mutation rate. Genotypic classification methods are also discussed.

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Changing Molecular Epidemiology of Hepatitis A Virus Infection, United States, 1996–2019

Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽

10.3201/eid2706.203036 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 (6) ◽

pp. 1742-1745

Author(s):

Sumathi Ramachandran ◽

Guo-Liang Xia ◽

Zoya Dimitrova ◽

Yulin Lin ◽

Martha Montgomery ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Virus Infection ◽

Molecular Epidemiology ◽

Hepatitis A ◽

Hepatitis A Virus

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A possible outbreak of hepatitis A associated with semi-dried tomatoes, England, July–November 2011

Eurosurveillance ◽

10.2807/ese.17.06.20083-en ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 17 (6) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

C Carvalho ◽

H L Thomas ◽

K Balogun ◽

R Tedder ◽

R Pebody ◽

...

Keyword(s):

The Netherlands ◽

Hepatitis A ◽

Hepatitis A Virus

In October 2011, two primary cases of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection with identical HAV genotype IB strains to those seen in other outbreaks associated with semi-dried tomatoes were reported in England. Both cases had consumed semi-dried tomatoes. Epidemiological investigations revealed two additional cases of genotype IB strains with different sequences who also reported having consumed semi-dried tomatoes. In November, five cases of HAV infection with closely related strains were identified in the Netherlands. A foodborne multiple-strain outbreak is suspected.

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