Abstract
Viral hepatitis is the most frequent reportable infectious disease in Chile. Its seroprevalence was studied in 3 regions in Chile (I (IR), XII (XIIR) and Metropolitan Region (MR). A demographic and risk factor survey and a blood sample were obtained from subjects at randomly selected homes in each area (1 subject per home). Serum samples were tested for anti-HVA IgG by ELISA. Selected cohorts were also tested for hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) markers by ELISA. 2600 subjects were enrolled (776 (IR), 1112 (MR), 772 (XIIR). Overall prevalence rates for anti-VHA IgG were 64% (IR), 31% (MR) and 26% (XIIR). In all regions prevalence rates increased progressively with age. Two epidemiological patterns were noted, one in MR and XIIR with slow increase in prevalence with age, reaching 44% by age 15, and other in IR with early acquisition of antibodies and rapid increase in prevalence reaching 94% by age 15. Prevalence rates were higher in the low socio-economic status (SES) in MR. Age adjusted rates for low and middle SES groups were similar (50 and 43%) and both significantly higher than high SES group (19%). Multivariate analysis indicates that age, SES, consumption of shellfish and lack of running water at home are statistically significant risk factors for HAV in Chile. 1813 samples were analyzed for HBV markers, 13 (0.7%) were positive for anti-HBcAg and 2(0.1%) positive for HBsAg. 150 samples from young adults were negative for anti-HCV (C100-3). There is a significant reduction in anti-HAV prevalence in MR when compared to previous studies from the 80's. Two epidemiological patterns of HAV were observed, Age, SES, consumption of shellfish, and lack of running water appear as risk factors for HAV. Prevalence of HBV markers is low and does not show regional variations. Grant FONDECYT N° 90-0659. Grant Child Health Foundation ID/91UC.
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Vial, P., Ferreccio, C., Contreras, R. et al. PREVALENCE OF ANTI-HEPATITIS A (HAV) ANTIBODIES BY AGE GROUP IN THREE REGIONS IN CHILE. PRELIMINARY REPORT ON PREVALENCE OF OTHER VIRAL HEPATITIS AGENTS. Pediatr Res 32, 738 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199212000-00028
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199212000-00028