Background: Hepatitis A (HA) remains a common infection globally that results in a self-limiting hepatitis with gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms. Direct detection of the virus in blood or stool is often not possible once symptomatic. Serological testing is frequently performed to investigate abnormal liver function tests - and interpretation of equivocal and low-level positive anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) IgM is difficult even in the context of accurate epidemiological and clinical information.
Objectives: The aim of this project was to characterise the association between low-level reactive anti-HAV IgM results and clinical disease.
Study Design: Anti-HAV serology results recorded over 22 months were analysed. Equivocal and positive Architect anti-HAV IgM results were matched with available clinical and demographical data to identify confirmed and probable cases of acute HAV infection.
Results: Reactive anti-HAV IgM results were recorded for 88/7661 (1.15%) samples. Using clinical and laboratory data, 35 patients were confirmed to have acute HAV infection. Acute HA was associated with a mean Architect anti-HAV IgM value of 9.4 (SD 6.8-12.0). Cases of HA had a mean peak ALT value of 1920 (SD 682-3158). All confirmed cases (35/35) of acute HAV were associated with at least one clinical indicator, with 28/31 cases (90%) having a documented jaundice. All 35 (100%) cases of acute HAV infection had anti-HAV IgM > 4.0. A diagnosis other than acute HA was identified in 7/11 (63.6%) of low-level reactive anti-HAV IgM results (clinical data unavailable for further 4/11, 36.3%). Where clinical information was available, acute HA was excluded in all 31 patients with equivocal or low-level reactive anti-HAV IgM results.
Conclusions: The accuracy of reports sent out to the clinician showed room for improvement. An interpretive algorithm is proposed including a clinically significant cut-off value for anti-HAV IgM.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcv.2022.105239 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Co-infection of Dengue and hepatitis A virus among pediatric population: A study from a tertiary care center in central India during 2022-2023.
J Vector Borne Dis
January 2025
State Virology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Background Objectives: Co-infection of dengue virus and acute hepatitis A virus in paediatric population is a major health concern in endemic countries. This cross sectional retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis A virus among the clinically dengue suspected paediatric cases presented at our tertiary care centre during the two-year period (2022-2023).
Methods: A total of 747 dengue suspected paediatric clinical specimens were included in this study.
Hepatitis A virus infection and seroprevalence, Istanbul, Turkey, 2020-2023.
Ann Saudi Med
December 2024
From the Department of Virology, Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Background: Hepatitis A infections continue to be a major global public health problem. The epidemiology and seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) have important public health implications. This study aimed to retrospectively examine the hepatitis A cases and hepatitis A seroprevalence in our region in our hospital with the highest number of inpatient and outpatient cases in Istanbul.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHepatitis A, B, and C in Brazilian Afro-Descendant Communities from Northeast Brazil: A Seroepidemiological Survey.
Viruses
October 2024
Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil.
Background: Viral hepatitis is a disease that is more prevalent among individuals residing in remote regions and in contexts of social vulnerability. The objective of this study was to ascertain the seroprevalence of hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV), and C (HCV) in vulnerable communities in the rural area of São João do Piauí (SJP), northern Brazil.
Methods: Immunoenzymatic assays were employed to detect the presence of anti-HAV (total and IgM), HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV serological markers in serum samples.
Hepatitis A Seroprevalence Among HIV-Exposed and Unexposed Pediatric Populations in South Africa.
Vaccines (Basel)
November 2024
Vaccines for Africa Initiative, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
There is limited evidence comparing hepatitis A seroprevalence among HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU), HIV-infected (HIV), and unexposed uninfected (HUU) children. This compromises rational vaccine decision-making. This study comprised a retrospective health facility-based population of children aged 1 month-12 years.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPrevalence of hepatitis among young men who have sex with men and transgender women in Brazil.
Rev Saude Publica
October 2024
Universidade Federal da Bahia. Instituto de Saúde Coletiva. Salvador, BA, Brasil.
Article Synopsis
- This study investigates viral hepatitis prevalence among young men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in three Brazilian cities, focusing on those aged 15-19.
- The research collected data through social behavioral questionnaires and blood tests to check for hepatitis A, B, and C antibodies and active infections.
- Results showed 17.7% had immunity to hepatitis A, while hepatitis B and C prevalence was lower at 2.8% and 0.2%, respectively, indicating a need for improved vaccination and treatment strategies in these populations.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!