Hepatitis A in Western Austria — The epidemiological situation before the introduction of active immunisation

Abstract

Several European countries report a decreasing prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV). This trend is most pronounced in the youngest age groups. In 1979, however, 58% of young Austrians aged 20 to 30 years were shown to possess anti-HAV. Here we describe the current epidemiological situation in western Austria. Prevalence of anti-HAV has decreased to 7% in those 18 to 30 years old. This percentage rises to 20% (31 to 40 years of age) and 57% (41 to 50 years of age) and is highest in those older than 50 years (87%). Of 180 cases of clinical hepatitis A occurring from 1985 to 1992 45% were imported by travel to HAV-endemic areas. Seventy-one percent of the cases in children (59/83) occurred in foreign workers' families and were also predominantly acquired abroad. A change in prevention policy should be considered in this respect, as vaccination is available now.

Hepatitis A Virus

“…The frequency increases from 7% among 18-to 19-year-olds to 83% among 60-to 69-year-olds. Similar figures have been reported for Austrian blood donors [17]. Within Europe, an increase in prevalence from North to South is described.…”

Hepatitis A virus antibodies in immunoglobulin preparations

“…The most current available information on HAV antibody seroprevalence in the US, the single most important source of human plasma for fractionation, was compared with the HAV antibody occurrence in some European countries (Table I). 9,[13][14][15] As evident from these previously reported results, the seroprevalence of HAV seems to be lower in the US population. [13][14][15][16] Little is known about the effect the continuous decrease in hepatitis A incidence and the introduction of HAV vaccines had on the HAV antibody abundance and reactivity in IVIG preparations or whether the present HAV antibody levels in IVIG still provide protection for persons with PIDs.…”

“…9,[13][14][15] As evident from these previously reported results, the seroprevalence of HAV seems to be lower in the US population. [13][14][15][16] Little is known about the effect the continuous decrease in hepatitis A incidence and the introduction of HAV vaccines had on the HAV antibody abundance and reactivity in IVIG preparations or whether the present HAV antibody levels in IVIG still provide protection for persons with PIDs. Because HAV vaccination is inefficient for the prevention of HAV infection in persons with PIDs, these patients rely on the presence of protective HAV antibody levels in IVIG.…”

Sixteen Years of Treatment with Pasteurized Human Clotting Factor Concentrates in Children and Adolescents: A Pharmacosurveillance Investigation Comprising 727 Patient Years

“…Of clinical cases in Austria, 45% were imported by travel to HAV-endemic areas; 71% of cases in children occurred in foreign workers' families. 36 Several of our patients who tested positive for HAV were children of foreign workers. Two children are from one Austrian family; their father is also HAV-positive.…”