The frequency of occurrence anti-HAV antibodies to health employees – own observations

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. In the years 1997-2016, Poland was counted among the countries with a low and very low endemicity of hepatitis A. Based on the epidemiological data from NIZP–PZH (National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene), since 2017, an increase in the incidence of hepatitis A has been observed in Poland. Considering the low number of cases by 2016 and a high percentage of seronegative persons, an increased risk of HAV infections should be expected. OBJECTIVE. The aim of the project was to assess the presence of anti-HAV IgG antibodies in the employees of the Provincial Hospital for Infectious Diseases and Observation in Bydgoszcz. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study was conducted on 123 people who are employees of the hospital. The presence of anti-HAV antibodies was detected using HAV IgG Elisa FORTRESS DIAGNOSTICS kits. RESULTS. The presence of anti-HAV IgG antibodies was found in 28/123 (22.8%) subjects. Anti-HAV IgG antibodies were almost exclusively found in people over 40 years of age. Only one case involved a younger person. CONCLUSIONS. The low incidence of anti-HAV antibodies in the IgG class among medical personnel confirms the reasonableness of vaccinations against hepatitis A in this group.