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Korean J Hepatol. 2007;13(1):27-33. Published online January 1, 2000.
- The Age-specific Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A Virus Antibody in Korea
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- Abstract
- Backgrounds
/Aims: The epidemiology of hepatitis A is associated with socioeconomic and hygiene status.
Recently, the prevalence of hepatitis A in young adults has been steadily increasing in Korea. This study is
to investigate the age-specific seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus in Korea. Methods: Stored sera from 250
healthy adult subjects who visited the health promotion center in Samsung Medical Center between July and
August 2006 were tested for IgG hepatitis A virus antibody (anti-HAV). Results: The prevalence of anti-HAV
was 2%, 72%, 92%, 94%, 100% in 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s, respectively. The prevalence of anti-HAV was
significantly lower in subjects below age 40 compared to those above 40 (37.0% vs. 95.3%, p<0.001). The
seroprevalence was higher in area outside of Seoul compared to those living in Seoul in age group below 40
(25.6% vs. 55.6%, p=0.01). In Seoul area, the prevalence was significantly lower in Kangnam-Gu, Seocho-Gu,
and Songpa-Gu district compared to the other areas of Seoul in the age group below 40 (20.0% vs. 42.1%,
p<0.05). Conclusion: The seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus antibody in Korean population below 40 is quite
low and immunity to hepatitis A virus in those subjects can be a public health issue. In view of changing
seroepidemiology, a policy for hepatitis A vaccination in population below 40 might be warranted. (Korean J
Hepatol 2007;13:27-33)
Keywords :Hepatitis A; Seroepidemiologic study; Hepatitis A Antibodies; Korean
