The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis a among preschool children in an urban setting in Turkey
JOURNAL OF TROPICAL PEDIATRICS, vol.48, no.3, pp.180-182, 2002 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- 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
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- 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.