The seroepidemiology of Hepatitis A virus in Amman, Jordan.
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) has emerged as an important public health problem in many countries of the Middle East region and Jordan is no exception. From January 1991 to December 2001, a total of 1015 patients were diagnosed at Al-Battikhi Medical Laboratories. Samples were collected at seventeen private laboratories distributed throughout areas of the Governorate of Amman (capital of Jordan). A significant variation (P=0.03) was obtained between number of HAV cases and year. Seasonal variation in HAV cases was seen throughout the study period with maximal rates in the spring and summer months (P<0.001). The highest incidence rate (9.6/100,000 population) was detected in the year 1993 and the lowest incidence rate (1.1/100,000 population) was found in the year 2001. There was a significant difference (P<0.0001) between number of HAV cases and age group. The highest number of cases 166 (16.4%) was reported for age group 5-14 years and the lowest number of cases 18 (0.02%). Male to female ratio was 1.25: 1. There was no significant sex variation (P=0.28). A significant variation (P=0.006) was observed between number of HAV cases and districts. The present results suggested a link between the age groups, year, month and occurrence of HAV infection. Male to female ratio indicates no significant sex variation.
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Hashemite University, Jordan.
M N G
MN
Battikhi
E G
EG
Battikhi
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology*; D035922:Hepatitis A Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007597:Jordan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012621:Seasons; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D035922:Hepatitis A Antibodies