Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A among children and adolescents in Larnaca area, Cyprus.
The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus was investigated in 385 children and adolescents (52.2% males), aged 6 to 18, in the Larnaca area of Cyprus. This is the first study investigating the prevalence of hepatitis A in Cyprus for this age group. The population was stratified into two groups: 6 to 12 years old and 13 to 18 years old. None of the subjects in the first group were positive. The prevalence of hepatitis A in the age of group 13 tol8 was 1.6%. In conclusion, the low prevalence of anti-HAV demonstrates the susceptibility of young Cypriots to hepatitis A. This is a cause for concern as these unprotected young adults are frequently exposed to potentially infected individuals.
Hadjipanayis
A
A
Department of Pediatrics, Larnaca General Hospital, Cyprus. adahadji@cytanet.com.cy
Hadjichristodoulou
C
C
Kallias
M
M
Sava
K
K
Petsa
A
A
Demetriadou
K
K
Christodoulou
C
C
Constantinou
A
A
Sidera
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003535:Cyprus / Q000453:epidemiology; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies