The Significance of Anti-HAV in Different Population Sectors in Lebanon: A Comparative Seroepidemiologic Study

Abstract

A comparative seroepidemiologic survey was performed on the prevalence of antibody to HAV (anti-HAV) in 772 subjects in Lebanon. The results show that 97.7% of the adult Lebanese carry anti-HAV in their sera irrespective of geographic or socioeconomic factors, as compared to 38.8% of the adult foreign population. In the paediatric group, the highest prevalence of anti-HAV was encountered at the age of 1-120 days indicating placental transfer of maternal anti-HAV. In the 1-5 year age group there is a sharp drop of anti-HAV to 40%. The anti-HAV of this age group indicates a response to actual infection with HAV. At 12 years the prevalence of anti-HAV is 85%, approaching that of adults. This survey indicates that Lebanon is an endemic area for HAV infection. The age of onset of this infection may be as early as five months, is commonest in the 1-6 year age group and becomes rare again after the age of 12. Finally, fractionation of immunoglobulins of test sera demonstrated that all subjects had their anti-HAV activity in the IgG class, denoting either maternal transfer or old infection and acquired immunity.

Association between hepatitis A virus and Helicobacter pylori in a developing country: The saga continues

“…There is an evident shift in the epidemiology of HAV among the Lebanese population in comparison to data published in the early 1980s 20 . Others have shown this change and attributed it to improvement in hygiene and alteration in demographic factors, and concluded that Lebanon is entering a transitional phase between high and intermediate endemicity 21,22 …”

“…Lebanon and the Middle East are considered to be areas of high endemicity for HAV infection. In 1982, 97.7% of Lebanese adults had anti‐HAV antibodies, irrespective of district and socioeconomic status 22 . In 2000, the overall prevalence of anti‐HAV antibodies among 740 children 6 months−15 years of age had decreased, but was still high in Northern Lebanon 25…”

“…Lebanon was considered to be a high endemic country for HAV, with 97.7% of Lebanese adults testing positive for anti‐HAV antibodies; 22 but more recent reports have revealed a downward shift, suggesting a potential for higher susceptibility among adults and an increased risk of symptomatic illness 23,24 . In contrast, little is known about H. pylori epidemiology and its incidence among the general population in Lebanon.…”

Hepatitis a in Lebanon: A Changing Epidemiological Pattern

“…The HAV prevalence pattern as observed in this multicenter study was of intermediate endemicity and was representative of the population in governorates that constitute about 80% of the Lebanese population. The seroprevalence of hepatitis A in Lebanon was last documented in 1982, 11 although data on children aged 6 months to 15 years was updated in a study conducted in North Lebanon during 1996-1998. 12 HAV seroprevalence rate in 1982 was 97.7% and 40% in Lebanese adults and children aged 1-5 years, respectively, as compared with 78.1% and 10.5%, respectively, in the current study.…”

Infectious diseases in the era of refugees: Hepatitis A outbreak in Lebanon

“…Yet, published studies on HAV in Lebanon have been scarce, with fewer studies exploring the disease in children and adolescents [ Table 1 ]. [ 12 ],[ 13 ],[ 14 ],[ 15 ],[ 18 ]…”