Seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus ...

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J Med Virol. 2004 Feb;72(2):197-202.


[B]Seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus antibodies in Turkish and Moroccan
children in Rotterdam.[/B]
Richardus JH, Vos D, Veldhuijzen IK, Groen J.

Department of Infectious Diseases, Municipal Health Service, Rotterdam, The
Netherlands.

Seasonal fluctuations in hepatitis A have been observed in the Netherlands
related to Turkish and Moroccan children after visiting their home
countries. This study determined the prevalence and associated factors of
hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies in Turkish and Moroccan children in
Rotterdam. A random sample was taken of children in Rotterdam, aged 5-16
years, of Turkish and Moroccan origin, together with a random sample of
native Dutch children aged 5-7 and 14-16 years. Blood was collected by
finger prick on filter paper. IgG and IgM anti-HAV was detected by an
enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA). The 319 Turkish, 329 Moroccan, and 248
native Dutch children participated in the study. In Turkish children, IgG
anti-HAV increased from 2.2% to 22.2% over the age groups. In Moroccan
children, IgG anti-HAV increased from 10.2% to 57.7%. In native Dutch
children, 0.8% had IgG anti-HAV in the youngest and 3.1% in the oldest age
group. The percentage IgG-positive also having IgM anti-HAV was 21% in
Turkish, and 41% in Moroccan children. No IgG-positive native Dutch children
had IgM anti-HAV. The prevalence of IgG anti-HAV was associated with
increased age, being Moroccan, longer stay in the country of origin before
migrating to the Netherlands, and known contact to HAV. The majority of
Turkish and Moroccan children aged 4-16 years in Rotterdam are not protected
against HAV, but do have a high risk of becoming infected while visiting
their native country. Active vaccination against HAV of these children is
indicated, with as primary aim their own protection. Prevention of
HAV-transmission in the general community should be seen as a secondary
benefit. In addition, possible Dutch contacts of nonvaccinated Turkish and
Moroccan children, such as day care workers and teachers, should also be
vaccinated against HAV. J. Med. Virol. 72:197-202, 2004. Copyright 2004
Wiley-Liss, Inc.

PMID: 14695660 [PubMed - in process]