Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A Virus Among Iranian Soldiers
Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench,
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2016),
17 March 2016
,
Page 100-104
https://doi.org/10.22037/ghfbb.v9i2.759
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is highly contagious in individuals living in crowded conditions such as military centers.
Objectives: This study try to investigate the seroprevalence of HAV immunity among Iranian soldiers and determine whether vaccination should be used for military draftees.
Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1554 soldiers were recruited through random clustering sampling. Serum anti-HAV antibody was measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.
Results: A total of 1554 male soldiers with age ranged from 18 to 34 years (mean age: 21.2±1.9 y) at baseline were evaluated. Overall, 80.3% of the analyzed specimens were anti-HAV seropositive. The seroprevalence rates increased significantly with the age.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that generally vaccination for HAV is not necessary for Iranian military draftees. But the vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups including anti-HAV seronegative soldiers.
- Hepatitis A Virus
- Prevalence
- Seroepidemiological Study
- Military Personnel
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