Identification of hepatitis a virus antibody among Bangladeshi children and their correlation with socioeconomic condition
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3329/nimcj.v6i1.23152Keywords:
Anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV), HAV seroprevalenceAbstract
Background : Hepatitis A virus infection is endemic in many developing countries including Bangladesh. Children infected with Hepatitis-A virus typically have asymptomatic disease.
Objective : To observe the anti-HAV positivity in children & to determine any relation between anti-HAV positivity & socioeconomic condition.
Materials & Methods : A cross sectional observational study was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital & Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital (DSH) from July 2008 to June 2009. Serum samples from 254 children aged between 1-15 years were tested for antibody (IgM & IgG) against hepatitis A virus (HAV) and detailed history was taken to find out the associated risk factors like residence, family income, source of drinking water, sanitation facility etc.
Results : Hepatitis A virus antibody was positive in 141 (55.5%) of 254 children. Among all children anti-HAV positivity was significantly higher (p=0.004) in lower income group (64.8%) than higher income group (47.0%). Anti-HAV positivity was significantly higher (93.8%) in non-sanitary latrine users & in those who used unsafe drinking water.(p=0.006)
Conclusions : Majority of children were found sero-positive against HAV by 15 year of age. Anti-HAV positivity was significantly higher in lower socioeconomic group.
Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.6(1) 2014: 12-14
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