Modelling the force of infection for hepatitis A in an urban population-based survey: a comparison of transmission patterns in Brazilian macro-regions.

Background: This study aimed to identify the transmission pattern of hepatitis A (HA) infection based on a primary dataset from the Brazilian National Hepatitis Survey in a pre-vaccination context. The national survey conducted in urban areas disclosed two epidemiological scenarios with low and intermediate HA endemicity.

Methods: A catalytic model of HA transmission was built based on a national seroprevalence survey (2005 to 2009).

Cost-effectiveness analysis of universal childhood hepatitis A vaccination in Brazil: regional analyses according to the endemic context.

Objective: To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of a universal childhood hepatitis A vaccination program in Brazil.

Methods: An age and time-dependent dynamic model was developed to estimate the incidence of hepatitis A for 24 years. The analysis was run separately according to the pattern of regional endemicity, one for South+Southeast (low endemicity) and one for the North+Northeast+Midwest (intermediate endemicity).