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  • Title: Seroepidemiology of hepatitis A among Greek children indicates that the virus is still prevalent: Implications for universal vaccination.
    Author: Kyrka A, Tragiannidis A, Cassimos D, Pantelaki K, Tzoufi M, Mavrokosta M, Pedeli X, Athanassiadou F, Hatzimichael A, Konstantopoulos A, Kafetzis D, Papaevangelou V.
    Journal: J Med Virol; 2009 Apr; 81(4):582-7. PubMed ID: 19235841.
    Abstract:
    A national cross-sectional seroprevalence survey was conducted in order to evaluate the current seroepidemiology of hepatitis A among 1,383 children, aged 0-14 years, residing in Greece. Stratification of the study population was conducted according to age and area of residence. Sera from study participants were tested for the presence of anti-HAV IgG antibodies. Immigrant children, as well as children residing in rural areas, had lower immunization rates. Among unvaccinated children, the seroprevalence rate of anti-HAV was 17.1%. Nationality was shown to have a marginally significant effect since non-immunized immigrant children had a higher seroprevalence rate (22.4% vs. 15.9%, OR = 1.52, P = 0.064). Significant differences between geographic areas for both vaccination coverage and natural immunity were observed. The study findings indicate that hepatitis A is prevalent in Greece and therefore universal infant hepatitis A immunization should be implemented.
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