Epidemiologic shift in the prevalence of Hepatitis A virus in Saudi Arabia: a case for routine Hepatitis A vaccination

Vaccine. 2006 Jul 7;24(27-28):5599-603. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2006.04.038. Epub 2006 May 11.

Abstract

This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis A among a selected group of Saudi children and thus, identify the best immunization strategy. A school-based seroprevalence study in children 4-18 years of age attending the National Guard schools was done. Of the 25,531 children attending the National Guard schools, 2399 (10%) were randomly selected through a stratified one-stage cluster survey. The overall prevalence of HAV-IgG was 28.9%. The prevalence was almost the same in male and female (28.2% versus 29.5%, respectively). There was a gradual increase in the HAV-IgG with 7% in children (< 8 years), 14% (8-11 years), 30% (12-15 years), and 52% (> 16 years) of age. Since a substantial proportion of this pediatric population confirms a continuing decrease in anti-HAV seroconversion rates, we recommend including Hepatitis A in the schedule of routine childhood vaccinations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hepatitis A / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis A / immunology
  • Hepatitis A / prevention & control
  • Hepatitis A Antibodies / blood
  • Hepatitis A Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Hepatitis A Vaccines / immunology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Saudi Arabia / epidemiology
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies

Substances

  • Hepatitis A Antibodies
  • Hepatitis A Vaccines