The Significance of Anti-HAV in Different Population Sectors in Lebanon: A Comparative Seroepidemiologic Study

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Abstract
A comparative seroepidemiologic survey was performed on the prevalence of antibody to hepatitis A virus (HAV) (anti-HAV) in 772 subjects in Lebanon. The results show that 97.7% of the adult Lebanese carry anti-HAV in their sera irrespective of geographic or socioeconomic factors, as compared to 38.8% of the adult foreign population. In the pediatric group, the highest prevalence of anti-HAV was encountered at the age of 1-120 days indicating placental transfer of maternal anti-HAV. In the 1-5 yr age group there is a sharp drop of anti-HAV to 40%. The anti-HAV of this age group indicates a response to actual infection with HAV. At 12 yr the prevalence of anti-HAV is 85%, approaching that of adults. This survey indicates that Lebanon is an endemic area for HAV infection. The age of onset of this infection may be as early as 5 mo., is commonest in the 1-6 yr age group and becomes rare again after the age of 12. Fractionation of Ig of test sera demonstrated that all subjects had their anti-HAV activity in the IgG class, denoting either maternal transfer or old infection and acquired immunity.