Hepatitis A seroprevalence in children and adolescents aged 1–18 years among a low socioeconomic population in Izmir, Turkey

SummaryThe age-specific prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection and risk factors were evaluated in a low socioeconomic population in Izmir.Children and adolescents 1–18 years of age admitted to the outpatient clinics for follow-up visits, or healthy children between April–December 2009 were investigated for anti-HAV antibodies by a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire on sociodemographic and hygiene information was obtained from the parents. All unvaccinated children against HAV were grouped according to their age. Seven hundred and twenty-nine children were enrolled in the study.Total HAV IgG seropositivity was 29.5% while age related values were as follows: 1–2 years, 21.4%; 2.1–5 years, 15.1%; 5.1–8 years, 20.1%; 8.1–11 years, 32.6%; 11.1–14 years, 44.3% and 14.1–18 years, 52.4%. The presence of anti-HAV IgG was associated significantly with low family income and lack of education of parents and living in a crowded family. HAV infection was endemic in a population of children living in Izmir. Anti-HAV vaccination should be considered for preschool children because teenagers are at risk of infection in this region.