Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A Infection in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Materials and Methods:A total of 660 unvaccinated persons 1 to 30 years old were selected for the study with cluster sampling. Information on sociodemographic characteristics was gathered for each participant and, in 641 of them, anti-HAV antibodies were assayed using an enzyme immune assay.Results: Anti-HAV prevalence in the Turkish population under the age of 30 in Northern Cyprus was 23.9%. For the age groups 1-5, 6-10 and 11-15 years, seroprevalence rates were relatively low (11.4, 9.4 and 12%, respectively). For age groups 16 years and over, HAV seroprevalence gradually increased with age, rising to 30.4% in 16 to 20 years and to 52.5% in 21 to 30 years of age. In addition to age, other variables significantly associated with HAV seroprevalence included low family income, family size, waste water sewage, and the education level of parents.Conclusions: Anti-HAV seroprevalence in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus shows an intermediate prevalence. As well as expanding health education and improving sanitation, a hepatitis A universal mass vaccination program would be logical for the population.