Hepatitis A virus immunity in 510 healthy Chilean adults

Background: As sanitary and economic conditions improve, the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A is now significantly lon,el. Aint: To evaluate th e prevalence of hepatitis A virus antibodies in healthy Chilean adults. Mat erial and methods: Antibodies to hepatitis A virus were measured, using a c ommercial ELISA assay, in 215 voluntary blood donors (163 male, aged 19 to 30 years old) and 295 medical students and health personnel (156 male, aged 19 to 39 years old), residing in Valdivina, Chile. Results. Antibodies aga inst hepatitis A virus were found in 68,2% of the total sample (351/510). N inety percent of flood donors and 54% of health personnel and students were positive (p < 0.01). Age specific prevalence in blood donors 19 to 22, 23 to 29 and 27 to 30 years old was 81,0%, 95,2% and 95,6% respectively. Among the same age groups in medical students, the prevalence was 47,9%, 53,2% a nd 61,9% respectively (p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study indicates a reduc tion in the prevalence of hepatitis A virus antibodies among adults in Vald ivia (Chile). Differences detected between individuals are probably related to different socioeconomic levels. Medical students have an increased risk for hepatitis A infections than the general population.