[Prevalence of anti-hepatitis A virus antibodies in chidren in Marrakech].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies among Moroccan children and to examine some of the factors influencing its transmission.


METHODS
150 children, aged six months to 14 years, were tested for anti-HAV IgG (indicating past infection). A questionnaire concerning personal and epidemiological data relating to hepatitis A was completed.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies was 51%. There was no significant difference between male and female children. The proportions of children positive for HAV-IgG varied significantly with age: 70.3% in the 7-14 age range were positive compared with 45.2% aged 6 years and less. Urban inhabitants did not have a higher prevalence than rural residents did. Socioeconomic factors were significantly correlated with the prevalence of anti-HAV-IgG, the father's level of education having the strongest influence.


CONCLUSIONS
The high overall HAV prevalence in children confirms that Morocco is an intermediately endemic area for HAV infection. Morocco is entering a transitional phase and the introduction of hepatitis A vaccination in early childhood may reduce the prevalence of this infection and prevent outbreaks.
Bouskraoui
M
M
Service de Pédiatrie A, CHU BP 7010, Marrakech, Maroc. bouskraoui@yahoo.fr
Bourrous
M
M
Amine
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D030041:Hepatitis A virus / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009018:Morocco / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines; D007074:Immunoglobulin G