Falling Incidence and Prevalence of Hepatitis a in Northern Spain

Abstract

The prevalence of hepatitis A virus antibodies was studied using a commercial ELISA method. 2,214 subjects were included, 1,211 in 1992 and 1,003 during 1986-87. In 1992 the seroprevalence rates among subjects 1-9, 10-19, 20-29 and 30-39 years old were 2.4%, 21%, 57.6% and 87.5% respectively, as compared with 7.7%, 37.9%, 80.6% and 98.1% respectively, in a similar group of subjects studied 5 years earlier (p < or = 0.001). The reported number viral hepatitis cases declined from 35.0 per 100,000 people in 1984 to 8.9 per 100,000 in 1992. Concurrently, the age when contracting the disease rose. The mean age for patients acquiring hepatitis A was 15.5 in 1986-88 and 20.1 in 1991-92. The decline in incidence and prevalence of HAV infection indicates a progressive and continuous decrease in HAV circulation in this geographical area.

Marked decrease in the incidence and prevalence of hepatitis A in the Basque Country, Spain, 1986–2004

“…The vaccination strategies adopted depend mainly on the epidemiological pattern of hepatitis A and on the availability of economic resources. In a previous study of the incidence and prevalence of HAV infection in the Basque Country, Spain (1986Spain ( -1992 [5] we observed a decline in HAV circulation as a result of economic and health-related improvements in our population. The epidemiological pattern observed in the Basque Country between the two previous study periods was considered representative of countries in transition between high and low states of endemicity [6].…”

“…However, in Catalonia, every year a cohort of pre-adolescents . Data from 1986 to 1992 were obtained from a previous study [5].…”

“…Both population groups included persons from rural and urban regions representing the middle and low classes of Gipuzkoa. The sample size for each age group was calculated on the basis of the population census and on the prevalence of HAV antibodies (seroprevalence) in a previous study [5], with an accuracy of 5% and a confidence level of 95 %. Serum samples were stored at x40 xC until processing.…”

“…Serum samples were stored at x40 xC until processing. The results obtained were compared with those of two population samples of 1013 and 1211 persons selected in the same way and in the same geographical area in 1986-1987 and 1992 respectively [5], comprising a period of 19 years.…”

Incidence, seasonality and serotypes of rotavirus in Gipuzkoa (Basque Country), Spain. A 14-year study

“…Improvements in hygiene, health and social conditions of the local populace in recent times probably have contributed to the change in seasonal pattern. In fact, a decrease in the prevalence of other infections with faeco-oral transmission has been noted it in our region in recent years [24,25]. One of the local improvements has involved drinking water.…”