Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiological patterns of hepatitis A, and immunity of entire population in Shijiazhuang prefecture, Hebei province, a former hyper-endemic area in north China. METHODS: Cross-sectional, seroprevalence surveys with two-stage cluster sampling were conducted among population older than 2-year between 1992 and 2011. During the 2011 serological survey, blood samples from infants <18 months without hepatitis A immunization history were also collected to determine maternal anti-HAV antibody. Serum samples were tested for anti-HAV antibody by domestic reagent or Abbott reagent. Viral hepatitis incidence rates and gross domestic product data were derived from local governmental statistics. RESULTS: Concomitant with the reduction of reported hepatitis A cases between 1992 and 1996 was a significant decline of HAV infections. The average prevalence decreased from 93.6% to 41.9%, and the average age at new infection was postponed from infancy to adolescence. This was attributed to improved socio-economic conditions. With intensive vaccination, a return of new seroconversion rate and seroprevalence was observed. A well fitted exponential regression equation (R(2)=0.96, p<0.0001) modeled that the maternal antibody would wane to <20 mIU/mL at 13 months. CONCLUSION: Benefiting from the booming economy, rapid improvement in sanitation, safe water supply, and implementation of hepatitis A vaccines, the epidemiological pattern of hepatitis A moved from high to intermediate endemicity in Shijiazhuang. Policy makers should be aware of the waning of immunity in entire population, and adapt immunization strategy timely, to ensure a lifelong protection against hepatitis A virus.
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Authors | Ying Chen, Xin-Jiang Zhang, Yu-Liang Zhao, Yan-Hong Zhang, Song-Mei Wang, Zhi-Yong Hao, Zhi-Yong Zhang, Jing-Chen Ma, Yun Fang, Xuan-Yi Wang |
Journal | Vaccine
(Vaccine)
Vol. 32
Issue 47
Pg. 6227-32
(Oct 29 2014)
ISSN: 1873-2518 [Electronic] Netherlands |
PMID | 25258099
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- China
(epidemiology)
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Female
- Hepatitis A
(epidemiology)
- Hepatitis A Antibodies
(blood)
- Humans
- Immunity, Maternally-Acquired
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prevalence
- Seroepidemiologic Studies
- Vaccination
(statistics & numerical data)
- Young Adult
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