Emerging risk for viral hepatitis A in Croatian adults.
An objective of the study was to determine the changes in the risk of developing hepatitis A in the 30-years period and discuss the need for vaccination against HAV infection in Croatia and the city of Rijeka comparing incidence of hepatitis A between 1970-1974 and 2000-2004 periods. Hepatitis A declined in both populations and affected more prominently older population groups. Improvement of hygiene and sanitary conditions appears to have decreased hepatitis A incidence among children and adults, but only a seroepidemiological study can give more accurate data as a basis for discussion on the necessity of vaccination as a further measure in reducing hepatitis A incidence.
Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Rijeka. danijela.stimac@stampar.hr
Vladimir
V
Mićović
Albert
A
Cattunar
Danijela
D
Stimac
Krunoslav
K
Capak
Drazen
D
Stojanovic
Davor
D
Jurisic
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017523:Croatia / Q000453:epidemiology; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines