Seroepidemiologic study of HAV infection in Tehran Province: a population based study

Hepatitis A is a viral infection which is transmitted via fecal-oral route and its prevalence is directly related to the public health standards. The prevalence rate of this infection is different in different populations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis A antibody and assess the need for vaccination against hepatitis A in Tehran Province. This descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from 2006 to 2007 in Tehran Province. 448 subjects were selected by random cluster sampling. Blood samples were collected and demographic data were recorded in a questionnaire. Anti-HAV antibodies were measured by ELISA competitive method. Chi-square test and student t-test were used for statistical analysis. This study included 287 women and 161 men. Anti-HAV antibody was positive in 405 subjects (90.4%). There were no significant relationships between HAV seropositivity and different age groups or gender. The results of our study showed a high prevalence of antibody in this region which is compatible with those of WHO results. Our results were similar to those obtained in Zabol City and eastern parts of Golestan Province but were not compatible with the results of the studies from Isfahan and Tabriz. At the present time there is no need for vaccination in this region.