title: Declining prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus infection in Iceland.
abstract: The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) was investigated in 445 outpatients in Iceland in 1987. No difference in anti-HAV prevalence according to sex or residence was found. The prevalence rates were low in persons less than 50 years with a sharp increase in persons greater than or equal to 50 years. The prevalence of anti-HAV was now significantly lower in the age groups of 40-49 years and 50-59 years than in 1979 indicating a cohort effect. These findings correspond to a marked decrease in notified cases of hepatitis (epidemic jaundice) after 1950 in Iceland.
authors.affiliation: Medical Department, City Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Briem
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006507:Hepatovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007055:Iceland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence
chemical_list: D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies