Epidemiological characteristics of acute symptomatic hepatitis a in Al Alwyia Pediatric Teaching Hospital during 2013

Abstract EN

Background: Concerns about hepatitis A infections is increasing worldwide specially after improving economic and sanitary conditions in many countries making older age groups who escape infection on early life vulnerable to infection.

Objectives: The objectives were to estimate the frequency of hepatitis A among children consulting Al Alwyia pediatric Teaching Hospital during the year 2013 and to study some demographic characteristics of the disease.

Methods: This cross - sectional hospital -based study was conducted during 2013-2014 and include pediatric patients (43525 patients) who consult Al Alwyia pediatric hospital during that time.

The outcome is total IgM antibodies to hepatitis A virus detected using Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) the test is performed on 380 clinically suspected cases.

The age distribution of the susceptible population is estimated using a simple catalytic model.

Results: The age groups (1-4 and 5-–9) constitute 43.6% and 42 % of sero-positive cases respectively with a P value of 0.001.

The incidence is more among males (56%).

Incidence is more during June and July 40 %and 15.6% respectively with a p value of 0.001.

1.2% needed causality or ward admissions.

Conclusions: High incidence in school age group might indicate the transition to older age groups and vaccinations should be considered at near future.