Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A among children and adolescents in Larnaca area, Cyprus

The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus was investigated in 385 c hildren and adolescents (52.2% males), aged 6 to 18, in the Larnaca area of Cyprus. This is the first study investigating the prevalence of hepatitis A in Cyprus for this age group. The population was stratified into two grou ps: 6 to 12 years old and 13 to 18 years old. None of the subjects in the f irst group were positive. The prevalence of hepatitis A in the age of group 13 to18 was 1.6%. In conclusion, the low prevalence of anti-HAV demonstrat es the susceptibility of young Cypriots to hepatitis A. This is a cause for concern as these unprotected young adults are frequently exposed to potent ially infected individuals.