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.
Battikhi
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Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Hashemite University, Jordan.
Battikhi
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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