scholarly journals Comparative hepatitis A seroepidemiology in 10 European countries

2012 ◽  
Vol 140 (12) ◽  
pp. 2172-2181 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. KURKELA ◽  
R. PEBODY ◽  
G. KAFATOS ◽  
N. ANDREWS ◽  
C. BARBARA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Burden ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Vaccination Policy ◽  
Laboratory Results ◽  
Children And Young Adults ◽  
Middle Aged Adults ◽  
Local Laboratory

SUMMARYThe WHO recommends hepatitis A virus (HAV) immunization according to level of transmission and disease burden. We aimed to identify susceptible age groups by standardized serosurveys to inform HAV vaccination policy in participating countries: Belgium, Czech Republic, England, Finland, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Romania, and Slovakia. Each country tested national serum banks (n = 1854–6748), collected during 1996–2004, for anti-HAV antibodies. Local laboratory results were standardized to common units. Forty-one per cent of those aged <30 years and 6% of those aged ⩾30 years were susceptible to HAV in Romania; compared to 70–94% and 26–71%, respectively, elsewhere. Romania reported high HAV incidence in children and young adults. Other countries reported HAV disease primarily in older risk groups. The results suggest low level of HAV transmission in most of Europe. Romania, however, appeared as an area with intermediate transmission. Vaccination of risk groups in countries with high susceptibility of young and middle-aged adults needs to be continued.

Factors associated with hepatitis A virus infection among HIV-positive patients before and after implementation of a hepatitis A virus vaccination program at a medical centre in central Taiwan

Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 239
Author(s):  
Jia-Juen Lin ◽  
Yuan-Ti Lee ◽  
Hao-Jan Yang
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Vaccination Rate ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Adjusted Relative Risk ◽  
Vaccination Policy ◽  
Central Taiwan

Background Taiwan government has promoted the administration of a hepatitis A vaccine at public expense for high-risk groups as a preventive measure after the outbreak of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections in 2015. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of such vaccination policy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods: From January 2016 to July 2017, we enrolled 658 HIV-positive male participants. Participants were stratified into anti-HAV-positive (n = 165) and anti-HAV-negative (n = 493) groups. A total of 364 anti-HAV-negative patients received vaccination against HAV and were followed up for 1.5 years. A Cox regression model was used to estimate the effects of factors predicting positive anti-HAV detection after vaccination. Results: Patients with HIV had an anti-HAV-positive prevalence of 25.1% before vaccination. Of the 364 patients inoculated with the first dose of vaccine, 58.0% received the second dose. Seroresponse rates were 50.0% and 80.6%, respectively. Antibody production was 30.0% lower in patients with a CD4 T-cell count &lt;200 cells/µL (adjusted relative risk (ARR) = 0.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.5–0.9) compared with those with 500 cells/µL. Hepatitis C co-infection reduced the production of antibodies by 50.0% (ARR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.2–0.8). Conclusion: This study suggests that vaccination against hepatitis A be administered when the immunity of an HIV-positive patient is strong. The promotion of the current vaccination policy against hepatitis A in Taiwan has improved the vaccination rate; the response rate for receiving one dose of the vaccine doubled.

scholarly journals Current Hepatitis A Status in Canada

2001 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 341-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Wu ◽  
Shimian Zou ◽  
Antonio Giulivi
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Present Report ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Subsequent Infection ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
Sporadic Cases ◽  
Epidemiological Pattern

Hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus, occurs most frequently in developing countries, but also causes sporadic cases or outbreaks in industrialized countries. The most common route of transmission is fecal-oral. The incidence of hepatitis A varies with geography, and economic and environmental conditions. The epidemiological pattern of the disease has changed with improvements in hygiene and economic conditions. The incidence and prevalence of hepatitis A has decreased, while the average age of exposure and subsequent infection has increased. The present report describes the current status of hepatitis A in Canada. The incidence rate of reported cases in Canada varies from over 10/100,000 (1991) to 3.6/100,000 (1998), and is higher in males, 4.7/100,000 (1998), than in females, 2.5/100,000 (1998). The highest reported hepatitis A rates are in age groups 30 to 39 years and 40 to 59 years, and in British Columbia. Such information is important for assessing current immunization approaches and for decision-making about new preventive strategies against hepatitis A in Canada.

scholarly journals Susceptibility to Hepatitis A Virus Infection in the United States, 2007–2016

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (10) ◽  
pp. e571-e579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaoman Yin ◽  
Laurie Barker ◽  
Kathleen N Ly ◽  
Greta Kilmer ◽  
Monique A Foster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Poverty Level ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
National Immunization ◽  
Vaccination Recommendations ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background Despite national immunization efforts, including universal childhood hepatitis A (HepA) vaccination recommendations in 2006, hepatitis A virus (HAV)–associated outbreaks have increased in the United States. Unvaccinated or previously uninfected persons are susceptible to HAV infection, yet the susceptibility in the US population is not well known. Methods Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2016 data, we estimated HAV susceptibility prevalence (total HAV antibody negative) among persons aged ≥2 years. Among US-born adults aged ≥20 years, we examined prevalence, predictors, and age-adjusted trends of HAV susceptibility by sociodemographic characteristics. We assessed HAV susceptibility and self-reported nonvaccination to HepA among risk groups and the “immunization cohort” (those born in or after 2004). Results Among US-born adults aged ≥20 years, HAV susceptibility prevalence was 74.1% (95% confidence interval, 72.9–75.3%) during 2007–2016. Predictors of HAV susceptibility were age group 30–49 years, non-Hispanic white/black, 130% above the poverty level, and no health insurance. Prevalences of HAV susceptibility and nonvaccination to HepA, respectively, were 72.9% and 73.1% among persons who reported injection drug use, 67.5% and 65.2% among men who had sex with men, 55.2% and 75.1% among persons with hepatitis B or hepatitis C, and 22.6% and 25.9% among the immunization cohort. Susceptibility and nonvaccination decreased over time among the immunization cohort but remained stable among risk groups. Conclusions During 2007–2016, approximately three-fourths of US-born adults remained HAV susceptible. Enhanced vaccination efforts are critically needed, particularly targeting adults at highest risk for HAV infection, to mitigate the current outbreaks.

scholarly journals Increasing incidence of hepatitis A in Bangladesh

2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 309-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
MZ Amin ◽  
LN Siddique ◽  
MA Slatter ◽  
KK Biswas
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Chronic Liver Disease ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Immunoglobulin M ◽  
Chronic Liver ◽  
High Risk Population

Hepatitis A (HAV) infection is caused by the hepatitis A virus which is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Life long protective antibodies are present after infection. The number of cases of adult hepatitis A has progressively been increasing during the last several decades in Bangladesh. In addition, the pattern of age-specific seroprevalence of anti-HAV has changed with economic growth. The prevalence of anti-HAV in 20-40 year age range has declined rapidly during the last 3 decades. As a result, this age groups has a high risk for HAV infection and clinically overt hepatitis A is increasing in adolescents and adult. The aim of the present study were to assess whether the proportion of adults with acute HAV infection has been increasing over the years and analyze the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin M(IgM) anti- HAV antibodies in young adults below the age of 20 years as well as in cases of chronic liver disease. Sera collected from 530 patients with acute and chronic liver disease attends the Somorita Hospital Ltd. during the previous 2 years and 6 months (Jan. 2008- Jun. 2010) were tested for various serological markers of acute and chronic hepatitis. In addition, 530 normal healthy attendants of the patients above the age of 20 years were tested for IgM anti-HAV as controls. Of 530 patients with acute hepatitis (13.42%) were positive for immunoglobulin M. The patients who were IgM anti-HAV negative were found to be hepatitis B (106 patients), hepatitis C, (10 patients), hepatitis E (150 patients) and unclassified (273 patients). Although the frequency of HAV infection among young adult (< 20 age) had increased (33.33% to 42.35%) in the 2 years and 6 months period, the frequency of HAV infection among adults had also increased (15.38% to 28.13%) during the same period. This study should be helpful for the identification of high risk population for vaccination of hepatitis A. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i3.13065 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(3), 309-312 2012

scholarly journals Suspected spread of hepatitis A virus from a restaurant among adults in rural area of the Kerala state, India

2019 ◽  
Vol 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. K. Gurav ◽  
G. Retheesh Babu ◽  
K. P. Vinu ◽  
K. S. Lole
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
First Case ◽  
Positive Stool ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Kerala State

AbstractIndia is experiencing a substantial decrease in early childhood exposure to hepatitis A virus (HAV). Kerala has experienced several hepatitis A outbreaks in young adults/adults in the recent past. The current hepatitis outbreak occurred in Nellikuzhi, Kerala state, India in December 2016. Investigation was carried by preparing a line list of suspected hepatitis cases. The blood and stool samples collected from patients were tested for anti-HAV/anti-Hepatitis E virus (HEV) immunoglobulin (IgM) antibodies and RNA respectively. A total of 562 suspected hepatitis cases were reported during the outbreak. Along with the first case (35 years, male), 86.1% (484/562) of the cases gave history of consuming food/water/cold drinks from one restaurant. Anti-HAV IgM positivity was 74.5% (73/98) in tested samples and amongst the positives, 81% were adults/young adults and adolescents. None of the samples tested positive for anti-HEV IgM. There were three HAV associated deaths without any co-morbidity. Sequence analysis of HAV RNA positive stool samples showed the presence of genotype IIIA HAV. The suspected source of the infection was a private well situated in the premise of a restaurant. Considering increasing HAV naive population in Kerala, there is a need to introduce hepatitis A vaccine in high-risk age groups.

Changing risk profile of hepatitis A in The Netherlands: a comparison of seroprevalence in 1995–1996 and 2006–2007

2011 ◽  
Vol 139 (8) ◽  
pp. 1172-1180 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. VERHOEF ◽  
H. J. BOOT ◽  
M. KOOPMANS ◽  
L. MOLLEMA ◽  
F. VAN DER KLIS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Second World War ◽  
World War ◽  
Susceptible Population ◽  
Prophylactic Vaccination ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Second World

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.

scholarly journals Estimating the critical immunity threshold for preventing hepatitis A outbreaks in men who have sex with men

2015 ◽  
Vol 144 (7) ◽  
pp. 1528-1537 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. REGAN ◽  
J. G. WOOD ◽  
C. BENEVENT ◽  
H. ALI ◽  
L. WATCHIRS SMITH ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Reproduction Number ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Population Immunity ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Basic Reproduction Number

SUMMARYSeveral outbreaks of hepatitis A in men who have sex with men (MSM) were reported in the 1980s and 1990s in Australia and other countries. An effective hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine has been available in Australia since 1994 and is recommended for high-risk groups including MSM. No outbreaks of hepatitis A in Australian MSM have been reported since 1996. In this study, we aimed to estimate HAV transmissibility in MSM populations in order to inform targets for vaccine coverage in such populations. We used mathematical models of HAV transmission in a MSM population to estimate the basic reproduction number (R0) and the probability of an HAV epidemic occurring as a function of the immune proportion. We estimated a plausible range forR0of 1·71–3·67 for HAV in MSM and that sustained epidemics cannot occur once the proportion immune to HAV is greater than ~70%. To our knowledge this is the first estimate ofR0and the critical population immunity threshold for HAV transmission in MSM. As HAV is no longer endemic in Australia or in most other developed countries, vaccination is the only means of maintaining population immunity >70%. Our findings provide impetus to promote HAV vaccination in high-risk groups such as MSM.

scholarly journals Estimating the annual burden of tick-borne encephalitis to inform vaccination policy, Slovenia, 2009 to 2013

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Fafangel ◽  
Alessandro Cassini ◽  
Edoardo Colzani ◽  
Irena Klavs ◽  
Marta Grgič Vitek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Burden ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Limited Resource ◽  
Annual Incidence ◽  
Vaccination Policy ◽  
Resource Setting ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Disability Adjusted Life ◽  
Life Years ◽  
And Control

With an annual incidence between 8 and 15 per 100,000 population in the period from 2009 to 2013, Slovenia has one of the highest notified incidences of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Europe. TBE vaccination coverage remains at about 7.3%. To inform vaccination policy, we used surveillance data from 2009 to 2013 to calculate the overall and age- and sex-specific mean annual TBE incidence. We estimated disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) with 95% uncertainty intervals (UI), using the Burden of Communicable Diseases in Europe approach from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The mean annual incidence was 11.6 per 100,000 population, peaking in older age groups (50–74 years: 18.5/100,000) while relatively lower among children (5–14 years: 10.2/100,000). We estimated an overall 10.95 DALYs per 100,000 population per year (95% UI: 10.25-11.65). In contrast to the TBE incidence, the disease burden in children aged 5–14 years was higher than in adults aged 50–74 years: 17.31 (95% UI: 14.58–20.08) and 11.58 (95% UI: 10.25–12.91) DALYs per 100,000 stratum-specific population, respectively. In a limited resource setting where prioritisation of TBE vaccination strategies is required, vaccination programmes targeting children may have a higher impact on disease burden.

scholarly journals RECENT CHANGES OF HEPATITIS A EPIDEMIOLOGY IN RUSSIA AND EUROPE AS THE RATIONALES FOR PREVENTION STRATEGIES

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 28-34
Author(s):  
V. P. Chulanov ◽  
N. N. Pimenov ◽  
I. V. Karandashova ◽  
S. V. Komarova
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Molecular Genetic Diversity

The article describes results of the analysis of incidence rate of hepatitis A in Russia and 29 European countries over the period 2001 to 2008. The characteristic of hepatitis A outbreaks as well as molecular genetic diversity of hepatitis A virus in Russia and Europe has been compared. The authors analyze the state of herd immunity to hepatitis A virus in population of the territories of countries mentioned above. The results of seroprevalence study of hepatitis A virus among different age groups in Moscow are presented. The critical role of hepatitis A vaccination in the system of prevention and disease control measures is emphasized.

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