High prevalence of hepatitis A virus antibody among Bangladeshi children and young adults warrants pre-immunization screening of antibody in HAV vaccination strategy

Indian J Med Microbiol. 2009 Jan-Mar;27(1):48-50.

Abstract

Serum samples from 465 subjects aged between 1 and 25 years were tested for antibody against hepatitis A virus (HAV) [anti-HAV IgG and IgM] to determine the seroprevalence of HAV antibody and do a cost-benefit analysis for decision making about vaccination against HAV among the general population of Bangladesh. A high prevalence of anti-HAV (74.8%) was observed in the study population; the whole study population was found positive for anti-HAV by the age of 25 years. On performing the cost-benefit analysis, it was found that the cost for vaccination with screening for anti-HAV was almost three times cheaper than vaccination without screening. Thus, in the present socioeconomic condition of Bangladesh, a policy based on screening for HAV antibody before vaccination is recommended.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bangladesh / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Communicable Disease Control / methods
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Female
  • Hepatitis A / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis A / prevention & control
  • Hepatitis A Antibodies / blood*
  • Hepatitis A Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Hepatitis A Vaccines / economics
  • Hepatitis A virus / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hepatitis A Antibodies
  • Hepatitis A Vaccines
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M