HIGH PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODY AGAINST HEPATITIS-A VIRUS IN AN INSTITUTION FOR THE MENTALLY-HANDICAPPED

Hepatitis A virus infection constitutes a world-wide public health pro blem, predominantly in developing countries. Mentally handicapped chil dren, due to their incapacity for looking after themselves, comprise o ne of the high risk groups for hepatitis A virus infection. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis A viru s antibody (anti-HAV) among the children and adults in the Institute f or the Mentally Handicapped located in Nonthaburi, Thailand. The preva lence of anti-HAV IgG antibody was 92%. Immunity acquired against HAV was shown to increase in direct proportion to the age. To prevent futu re outbreaks of hepatitis A, water supply, sanitary conditions and per sonal hygiene should be improved at this and similar institutions. Fur thermore, persons new to the institution (patients and staff) should b e screened for anti-HAV and vaccinated with hepatitis A vaccine if non -immune.