The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis a among preschool children in an urban setting in Turkey

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Ungan M., Yaman H., Taheri N.

JOURNAL OF TROPICAL PEDIATRICS, vol.48, no.3, pp.180-182, 2002 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 48 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2002
  • Doi Number: 10.1093/tropej/48.3.180
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF TROPICAL PEDIATRICS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.180-182
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: No

Abstract

The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus (HAV) was investigated in 114 children (59.7 per cent males) aged 4-6 years, in the campus area of Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey. The prevalence of hepatitis A antibody in this age group was 11.4 per cent (13/114). The rate of immunized children against hepatitis A was 3.65 per cent (5/137). In conclusion the prevalence of anti-HAV demonstrates the susceptibility of other preschool children to hepatitis A. This may be a cause for considering hepatitis A vaccination before preschool attendance in Turkey.