Hepatitis A sero-epidemiology in Singapore: a changing pattern

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 1993 Jan-Feb;87(1):22-3. doi: 10.1016/0035-9203(93)90405-f.

Abstract

Sera from 896 healthy volunteers between 15 and 56 years old were tested in 1987-1991 for immunoglobulin G antibody against the hepatitis A virus (IgG anti-HAV). The overall seroprevalence rate of IgG anti-HAV was 27%: it increased from 0.9% in the 10-19 years age group to 48.1% in the 40-49 years age group and was 100% in subjects over 50 years. There was no difference in anti-HAV seroprevalence between the sexes (29% among men and 26% among women) and races. A downward trend in anti-HAV seroprevalence was seen from 1987 (33%) to 1991 (21.4%). The level of exposure to the hepatitis A virus has decreased when compared with data obtained in 1975 and 1984-1985. Hepatitis A virus infection is no longer an infection of children and adolescents locally.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Female
  • Hepatitis A / blood
  • Hepatitis A / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis Antibodies / blood*
  • Hepatovirus / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Singapore / epidemiology

Substances

  • Hepatitis Antibodies
  • Immunoglobulin G