title: Seroepidemiology of hepatitis A and E virus infections in Tehran, Iran: a population based study.
abstract: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are enteric hepatotropic viruses and their prevalence is related to the sanitary conditions of the region under investigation. There are only a few studies on the seroepidemiology of these two viruses in the general Iranian population. The purpose of this investigation was to measure the prevalence of hepatitis A and E infections in the general population. Between 2006 and 2007, a cross sectional study was performed in Tehran, Iran. Blood specimens were collected and questionnaires were filled in for 551 persons. Patient sera were tested by ELISA for anti-HEV and anti-HAV IgGs. The χ(2) test and independent t-test were used for statistical analysis and p<0.05 was considered significant. The overall seroprevalence rates of anti-HEV IgG and anti-HAV IgG were 9.3% and 90%, respectively. The prevalence of antibodies to HAV and HEV was greater among men than women and increased with age. However, there was no significant relationship between age and gender with the existence of anti- HAV and HEV IgG antibodies. Our results show the seroprevalence of HAV and HEV antibodies are high and both viruses are endemic in this region. These findings are in accordance with results obtained from previous studies. We recommend that foreign travelers to Iran are vaccinated against HAV.
authors: The Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 7th floor, Taleghani Hospital, Yaman Ave., Velenjak, PO Box 19835-187, Tehran, Iran. srmohebbi@gmail.com
authors: Seyed Reza
authors: SR
authors: Mohebbi
authors: Mohammad
authors: M
authors: Rostami Nejad
authors: Seyed Mohammad Ebrahim
authors: SM
authors: Tahaei
authors: Mohammad Amin
authors: MA
authors: Pourhoseingholi
authors: Manijeh
authors: M
authors: Habibi
authors: Pedram
authors: P
authors: Azimzadeh
authors: Hamed
authors: H
authors: Naghoosi
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Karayiannis
authors: Mohammad Reza
authors: MR
authors: Zali
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D016751:Hepatitis E / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology*; D007223:Infant; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D007074:Immunoglobulin G