Prevalence of hepatitis A IgG in Irish international travellers.
The authors have studied the sero-conversion levels of Irish international travellers over the past 6 years with regard to Hepatitis A IgG levels. The rate of sero-conversion is significantly associated with patient age (x2 = 77.8, df = 1, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the antibody levels between males and females. The results show that a large proportion of younger people travelling to developing countries are unprotected against Hepatitis A. Also approximately 30% of travellers over the age of 40 years have not seroconverted from previous exposure and therefore remain at risk. The mortality associated with Hepatitis A is in high risk groups. Therefore vaccination should be considered.
Fry
G
G
Department of International Health & Tropical Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland.
Kenny
J V
JV
Quinn
M
M
Campion
J
J
Gallagher
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis*; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014195:Travel
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D007074:Immunoglobulin G