The changing epidemiological pattern of hepatitis A in Lisbon, Portugal.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prevalence of anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) in an urban population, in order to assess the changing epidemiological pattern of hepatitis A.


METHODS
We studied 325 health care workers from Santa Maria Hospital and 201 students of the Medical School of Lisbon.


RESULTS
The prevalence of anti-HAV was lower in the younger age groups: 29% in the first 3 years of Faculty compared to 46% in the last 3 years, P < 0.001. The overall prevalence for students was 35%, whereas in health care workers of less than 30 years it was 65%, P < 0.001. These findings show a declining prevalence of anti-HAV, particularly in younger age groups, when compared with the results obtained in 1983, which showed a prevalence of 85%.


CONCLUSIONS
The epidemiological pattern of hepatitis A in Lisbon, Portugal, is changing in some urban groups, with prevalences approaching those of more developed countries.
Marinho
R T
RT
Liver Unit, Hospital Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal.
Valente
A R
AR
Ramalho
F J
FJ
de Moura
M C
MC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D035922:Hepatitis A Antibodies; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011174:Portugal / Q000453:epidemiology; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013337:Students, Medical
D035922:Hepatitis A Antibodies; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies