Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E in Qom Province, 2011

Hepatitis viruses of oral-fecal origin are responsible for a high morbidity and mortality throughout the world, even if they never result in chronic hepatitis. Two viruses, the virus of hepatitis A (HAV) and of hepatitis E (HEV) are at present the cause of severe viral hepatitis of enteric origin.this study was conducted with the aim of determining the extent of seroprevalence of hepatitis A and hepatitis E in the Qom Province. Totally 740 blood samples were collected from population over 15 year old in all part of Qom province. Specimens were examined for the presence of hepatitis A and hepatitis E using the EIA method. our findings revealed that prevalence rate of anti - HAV and anti - HEV IgG infection were 78.6% and15.5%, respectively. It appeared to be a statistically significant association between HAV and HEV with age groups and residence. Our results showed that the presence of antibodies against hepatitis A and E in this province is very high, and vaccination against hepatitis A is not necessary now in Qom province. Also the prevalence of HEV infection is endemic in Qom province. The application of public health education to people, especially pilgrims to control and dissemination of HEV infection would be effective.