Abstract. In a multicenter study, hepatitis A virus (HAV) seroprevalence was surveyed in six countries in Latin America in which in 12,000 subjects were stratified for age. The highest rates of seroprevalence were recorded in the Dominican Republic (89.0%) and Mexico (81.0%), with lower rates in Brazil (64.7%), Chile (58.1%), Venezuela (55.7%), and Argentina (55.0%). The seroprevalence of HAV in children between 1 and 5 years of age was less than 50%, except in the Dominican Republic. In the 5-10-year-old age group, seroprevalence rates have also decreased compared with previous reports. This suggests that the epidemiology is shifting from high to intermediate endemicity, with the population susceptible to HAV infection shifting from children to adolescents and adults. Furthermore, data from Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico show that HAV seroprevalence is significantly lower in people living in medium and high socioeconomic conditions. This study suggests the need for appropriate vaccination programs to be implemented targeting children, adolescents, and adults, particularly in higher socioeconomic groups.Hepatitis A virus (HAV) has a worldwide distribution and is the most frequent etiologic agent in cases of viral hepatitis in Latin America.
-García (2010) Self-reported history of vaccination and disease and immunity against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria and varicella among spanish military recruits, Human Vaccines, 6:2,[198][199][200][201]
The rate of hospitalized acute hepatitis B patients in Spain did not change during the 2001-2006 period. Having an adequate surveillance system and continuing with the universal immunization and risk group programs, and health education, remain a high priority.
The incidence of hospitalized patients diagnosed with acute hepatitis A in Spain has remained stable from 2005 to 2007 and increased significantly in the year 2008. Therefore, a change in the epidemiology of hepatitis A may be taking place in Spain and this disease could become a public problem in the young adult population. It is necessary to conduct a cost-effectiveness study to assess the need for including hepatitis A in the universal immunizations schedule.
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