Association in the seroprevalence of hepatitis A and herpes simplex-1 viruses in young adults in Israel.
BACKGROUND
The rise in the standard of living of the Israeli population during recent decades has been accompanied by a significant decline in the prevalence of various viral diseases including hepatitis A (HAV). This trend is not reflected in the seroprevalence of herpes simplex (HSV) infection, which has remained stable during these years.


METHODS
The Public Health Branch of the Israel Defense Force (IDF) Medical Corps continuously draws a systematic, representative sample of male and female recruits on their 1st day of service, based on digit combinations of the military identification number. These recruits are asked to give a blood sample and to undergo a short interview. A quantitative determination of anti-HSV-1 and anti-HAV antibodies was performed.


RESULTS
In the present study that included 124 male and 98 female 18-year-old army recruits, 51.1% of the anti-HSV-positive subjects was also positive for anti-HAV, compared to 27% among anti-HSV-negative persons. Rate ratio (RR) for anti-HAV seropositivity between anti-HSV-1-positive and negative recruits was 1.86 (95% CI 1.3-2.7).


CONCLUSIONS
The present study suggests a strong association between the seroprevalence of both viruses.
Katz
J
J
Israel Defence Force Medical Corps, Military, IDF. katzdr@internet-zahav.net
Gdalevich
M
M
Ashkenazi
I
I
Chaushu
G
G
Shemer
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012698:Serologic Tests
D000914:Antibodies, Viral