The epidemiology of Hepatitis A in Portugal and in the World A comparative study

Introduction: Hepatitis A is caused by a virus of the family Picornaviridae, genus Hepatovirus. It fecal-oral disease that can cause jaundice, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, dark urine, among other symptoms. In Portugal vaccine not part National Vaccination System, however it advised to all individuals who travel endemic areas. Currently endemicity region classified when 50% population, specific age group, has immunity against HAV. Objectives: To understand epidemiological situation in and compare with rest world. Methods: Two selection moments were created aid four inclusion criteria. total 16 studies selected for this systematic review. Discussion/Conclusion: Africa Latin America present intermediate very high endemicities, North low endemicity, Asia Australia Europe endemicities endemicity. As expected, richer regions have lower endemicities. There an improvement living conditions general leading poorer presenting some countries thus pointing positive evolution virus. The best strategy improve through vaccination.