Changing epidemiology of hepatitis A in Brazil: reassessing immunization policy.

摘要: Recent studies have shown that the prevalence of antibody to hepatitis A virus (HAV) is decreasing in several Latin American countries. Brazil a very large and heterogeneous country, showing striking regional differences. With regard sanitary facilities, 81.7% of the districts in south-eastern region sewage systems, compared with only 5.8% northern region. Results of sero-epidemiological and reported A outbreaks indicate change epidemiological pattern of country. Individuals, especially those under age 10, are mostly unprotected from HAV infection, regardless their socioeconomic status. During 2000–2005, approximately 14 000–21 000 cases hepatitis A were annually Brazil, rate 7.5–11 cases per 100 population. Nationwide, A mortality rates declined progressively 1980 2002. As fatal constitute small, but predictable, portion of all acute cases, which turn part of the total number HAV infections, these data suggest that there has been decline circulation all Brazilian regions over last two decades. Taken together these facts point out pattern of hepatitis changing Brazil. Besides improvements in sanitary conditions poorest Brazilian regions, the introduction vaccination young children could be strategy for controlling infection the country.