論文ID: JJID.2014.321
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) are thought to have similar routes of transmission and epidemiology. This study investigated the seroprevalence of these two pathogens among children in rural, central Taiwan. Serum samples were collected from 856 children between 2010 and 2012 and levels of anti-HAV and anti-H. pylori antibodies were measured by ELISA. Questionnaires were used to investigate possible risk factors. The overall rates of H. pylori and HAV infections were 6% and 0.8%, respectively. There was a significant difference in the rates of H. pylori infection (P - value = 0.008), but not in the rates of HAV infection between the different age groups. H. pylori infection rates were significantly higher in children whose mothers had a lower educational level. HAV infection rates were significantly higher in children whose fathers had a lower educational level. The risk of HAV infection was also 14.20-fold higher in children whose family members had traveled to China or Southeast Asia. No significant correlation was found between H. pylori and HAV seropositivity. Seroprevalence of H. pylori and HAV were low in rural central Taiwan. Universal vaccination for HAV is highly recommended to prevent outbreak due to low seroprevlence.
