Hepatitis B Viral Markers on 2036 Previously HBV Infected Individuals

Abstract

Objectives: We experienced hepatitis A outbreaks among Korean military personnel. We investigated the characteristics of hepatitis A outbreaks and serologic examination to determine the necessity for selective HAV vaccination. Methods: Each case of hepatitis A in this outbreak was defined as a person who had symptoms compatible with acute viral hepatitis A and had positive HAV IgM between May 2 to August 14, 2007 in Inje district, Gangwon, Korea. We tested HAV IgM and IgG antibody to consenting 204 persons among entire exposure men for HAV susceptible person at July 23. Results: We tested 70 cases with symptoms for HAV IgM, and 67 cases showed positive results. They were consisted of 4 sergeants, 1 officer and 62 privates. A positive result for HAV IgG among asymptomatic military personnel was seen in 11.8%. The most frequently reported symptoms included nausea (74.6%), anorexia (74.6%), headache (71.6%), jaundice (67.2%), abdominal pain (65.7%), fever (61.2%), chill (55.2%), vomiting (44.8%), diarrhea (41.8%), flu-like symptom (25.4%), myalgia (22.4%) and arthralgia (9.0%). But, 2 cases had no symptoms. The result of HAV IgG for asymptomatic military personnel was 11.8% (24 among 204 persons). This epidemic occurred after a heavy rainfall in the military compound area where drinking water was supplied by the stream water. After the outbreaks, supply of drinking water was switched to public water system. Total of 178 military personnel who had no HAV IgG were vaccinated on July 26, 2007. Conclusion: The seropositive rate of HAV IgG in Korean military personnel was only 11.8% in this study. The HAV virus infection cases are dramatic increasing and already several outbreaks was reported in recent years in Korea. We think that this is the time for HAV vaccination to high risk group, especially young Korean military personnel.