ABSTRACT

In the presence of chronic liver disease such as chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection can be more severe. Due to determine the rate of HAV seronegativity and the need for HAV immunization, a crosssectional study was planned in patients with HBV infection in young adult age group which is thought to increase susceptibility to HAV infection.

Patients who applied Infectious Diseases outpatient clinic between 01 January 2013 – 31 September 2013 were evaluated retrospectively.

The data of 239 male patients ranging between ages 18 and 30 were included in the study. Anti-HAV IgG positivity was detected in 139 (74.9%) patients and anti-HAV IgG negativity was detected in 60 (25.1%) patients.

In order to determine the need for immunization in patients with HBV infection, more attention should be given to anti-HAV IgG scan and if necessary, vaccination should be done.

Keywords: Hepatitis A virus, seroprevalance, Hepatitis B virus, immunization