Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A Virus Antibody Among Children and Young Adults in Bangkokt
CHITSANU PANCHAROEN,M.D.*, SONGSRI KASEMPIMOLPORN, M.Sc. ***, HENRY WILDE, M.D.*** JUTARAT MEKMULLICA, M.D.**, USA THISYAKORN, M.D.*,
Affiliation : * Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkom University, Bangkok 10330, ** Department of Pediatrics, Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, Bangkok 10220, *** Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Objective : To determine the prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HA V) antibodies in various
age groups of healthy children and young adults who have not received the hepatitis A vaccine.
Method : Blood samples were collected from 825 volunteers aged 1-30 years from a well
baby clinic and five academic institutions in the Don Mueang area from 1998 to 1999. Serum samples
were assayed for specific HA V lgG antibodies using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay (ELISA) kit.
Results : The seropositivity rate (12.4 % overall) in each age group was as follows: 1-3
years, 7.7 per cent; 4-7 years, 6.6 per cent; 8-11 years, 12.4 per cent; 12-15 years, 10.7 per cent and
16-30 years, 25.9 per cent.
Conclusions : In the Don Mueang area of Bangkok, the majority of children (< 16 years)
do not have natural immunity against HAV. The use of hepatitis A vaccine for this population should
be considered. Pre-vaccination serologic screening for HA V IgG in children may not be worthwhile.
Keywords : Seroprevalence, Hepatitis A Virus, Children, Adults
