Frequency of Hepatitis a in Children Applying to Outpatient Clinics of Pediatrics in Meram Medical Faculty of Selcuk University

Aim: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ratio of hepatitis A seropositivity in patients who applied to the outpatient clinics of of Pediatrics in Meram Medical Faculty of Selcuk University. Material and Method: 345 patients who applied to our outpatient clinics between December 2005 and June 2006 were included in the study. These children were divided into three groups as 2-6, 7-11 and 12-16 years, respectively. AntiHAV Ig M and Ig G were studied in all patients using ELISA method. The statistical analysis of the results was evaluated according to SPSS 10.0 program. Results: Positivity of anti-HAV Ig M and Ig G were found as 1.4 % and 28.7 %, respectively. When compared, hepatitis A seropositivity was significantly higher in children of school age than children under school age. Conclusion: Because hepatitis A seropositivity in children increases significantly with school age, vaccination should be recommended before school age.