Seropositive rate of the anti-hepatitis A immuno-globulin G antibody in maintenance hemodialysis subjects from two hospitals in Korea

• Published in: The Korean journal of internal medicine Vol. 34; no. 6; pp. 1297 - 1303
• Main Authors: Hyunsuk Kim, Jiwon Ryu, Young-ki Lee, Myung Jin Choi, Ajin Cho, Ja-ryong Koo, Sae Yun Baik, Eun Hee Lee, Jong-woo Yoon, Jung-woo Noh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 대한내과학회 30.11.2019
• Subjects: Antibody titer; Hemodialysis; Hepatitis A antibodies; Seroepidemio-logic studies
• ISSN: 1226-3303; 2005-6648

Background/Aims: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a self-limiting infectious disease, but 1% of subjects develop fulminant hepatitis. The prevalence of the anti-HAV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody in hemodialysis subjects in Korea remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the seropositive rate of anti-HAV antibody among hemodialysis subjects in two hospitals according to age group. Methods: A total of 170 hemodialysis subjects were evaluated for the seropositive rate of the anti-HAV IgG antibody and its titer. Results: Of the 170 maintenance hemodialysis subjects in two hospitals (Kangnam 92 vs. Chuncheon 78), 79 (46.5%) were male. The mean age was 53.2 years old, and 94.1% of the subjects were over 40 years old. The median vintage of hemodialysis was 29.0 months. Anti-HAV antibody was found in 163 subjects (95.9%), with no significant difference between the two areas (Kangnam 97.8% [n = 90] vs. Chuncheon 93.6% [n = 73]). Subjects younger than 40 years old showed a seropositive rate of 50%, while the seropositive rate increased with age for subjects aged 40 or older (p for trend < 0.001). Seropositive subjects from Kangnam showed a higher anti-HAV antibody titer than those from Chuncheon (median: Kangnam 14.2 vs. Chuncheon 11.7). Only age influenced seropositivity. The only factor that influenced the antibody level was the location of hospital (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The seropositive rate of the anti-HAV antibody in hemodialysis subjects was 95%, which is similar to findings in the general population. Active immunization against hepatitis A is strongly recommended for hemodialysis subjects under 40 years of age after anti-HAV testing.