Original Article

Evaluation of susceptibility to hepatitis a virus infection in naval academy students and staff

10.26657/Gulhane.263985

  • Murat Afyon
  • Murat Zerman
  • Berksan Şimşek

Received Date: 13.04.2017 Accepted Date: 08.01.2018 Gulhane Med J 2018;60(1):1-4

Aims:

To determine the rate of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) seronegativity and the need for HAV immunization among Naval Academy staff and students at young age who were thought to increased susceptibility to HAV infection.

Methods:

A retrospective study conducted in Naval Academy staff and students who were screened between 2013–2016.

Results:

Overall 925 participants, 802 students (86.7%) and 123 (13.3%) staff, were included in the study. Anti-HAV IgG negativity was detected in 615 (66.5%) of the sample. This rate was 74.1% (594/802) in students and 17.1% (21/123) in staff (p<0.001). Also, increased age and a birthplace in the Southeastern Anatolia or Eastern Anatolia region could be described as factors causing high rates of HAV seropositivity.

Conclusions:

In the light of the fact that HAV infection can be more severe in young adults and older age patients, we suggest that Naval Academy students who live in crowded conditions that can be a risk factor for HAV infection should be scanned, and if necessary, HAV vaccination should be considered when they start the school.

Keywords: Hepatitis A virus, seroprevalance, immunization