Seroepidemiology of hepatitis A virus in Kuwait.
OBJECTIVE
To find the current seroepidemiology of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in Kuwait.


METHODS
A total of 2851 Kuwaitis applying for new jobs were screened.


RESULTS
HAV-positive cases were 28.8%; 59% were males and 41% were females. The highest prevalence was in the Ahmadi area. High prevalence was among the group of non-educated rather than educated parents. This is the first study in Kuwait demonstrating the shifting epidemiology of HAV.


CONCLUSIONS
This study reflects the need of the Kuwaiti population for an HAV vaccine.
Alkhalidi
Jameela
J
Thuniyan Al-Ghanim, GI Center & University of Kuwait, Safat, Kuwait.
Alenezi
Bader
B
Al-Mufti
Seham
S
Hussain
Entisar
E
Askar
Haifa
H
Kemmer
Nyingi
N
Neff
Guy W
GW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines / Q000494:pharmacology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007730:Kuwait / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines