TYPE-A VIRAL-HEPATITIS - SEROLOGICAL INVESTIGATION IN PADUA AND ITS PROVINCE

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 59  (4) , 338-347
Abstract
The frequency of HAV [hepatitis A virus] in northeastern of Italy was studied. A seroepidemiologic survey was done in Padua and its district. The serum samples obtained from 1812 subjects (.apprx. 2% of the population), subdivided according to sex and age (5 yr groups), were tested for anti-HA [antibody to HAV] by radioimmunoassay. The mean prevalence of anti-HA was 69.2%. A positive anti-HA frequency of 50% was seen in the 15-20 yr old group; > 90% of the people over 35 yr of age were positive. No significant differences were observed between the sexes or between town and country populations. The age increase of the anti-HA prevalence was delayed in the higher socioeconomic level group. The relevant socioeconomic and public health levels improved in the last decades; the risk of adulthood HAV infection increased.