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Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A among children and adolescents in Larnaca area, Cyprus

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Abstract

The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus was investigated in 385 children and adolescents (52.2% males), aged 6 to 18, in the Larnaca area of Cyprus. This is the first study investigating the prevalence of hepatitis A in Cyprus for this age group. The population was stratified into two groups: 6 to 12 years old and 13 to 18 years old. None of the subjects in the first group were positive. The prevalence of hepatitis A in the age of group 13 to18 was 1.6%. In conclusion, the low prevalence of anti-HAV demonstrates the susceptibility of young Cypriots to hepatitis A. This is a cause for concern as these unprotected young adults are frequently exposed to potentially infected individuals.

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Hadjipanayis, A., Hadjichristodoulou, C., Kallias, M. et al. Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A among children and adolescents in Larnaca area, Cyprus. Eur J Epidemiol 15, 903–905 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007680310138

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007680310138

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