Author/Authors :
Izadi, Morteza Health Research Center - Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Aliakbar Esfahani, Ali Health Management Research Center - Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Hassannia, Hadi Department of Medical Immunology - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran , Jonaidi Jafari, Nematollah Health Research Center - Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Rahmati Najarkolaei, Fatemeh Health Research Center - Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Rezaee-Zavareh, Mohammad Saeid Student’s Research Committee - Baqiatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Aim: This study aims to investigate the seroprevalence of HAV immunity among Iranian soldiers and determine whether
vaccination should be given to military draftees.
Background: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is highly contagious in individuals living in crowded conditions such as military
centers. To the best of our knowledge, there are limited data about HAV prevalence among Iranian soldiers.
Patients and methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1554 soldiers were recruited through a random clustering
sampling. Serum anti-HAV antibody was measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical
analysis was performed using SPSS.
Results: A total of 1554 male soldiers with age ranged from 18 to 34 years (mean age: 21.2±1.9 years) at baseline were
evaluated. Overall, 80.3% of the analyzed specimens were anti-HAV seropositive. Seroprevalence rates significantly increased
with the age.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that vaccination for HAV is not necessary for Iranian military draftees. However, the
vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups, including anti-HAV seronegative soldiers.
Keywords :
Hepatitis A virus , Prevalence , Seroepidemiological study , Military personnel
