Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis A virus among school children from different socioeconomic status in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) has a worldwide but the developing countries are characterized by a high endemic pattern of HAV. With improving conditions, the populations of these countries which have had no contact with HAV increase and more susceptible to infection. The prevalence and risk factors of HAV were assessed in children from Abidjan. From December 2002 to may 2003, HAV antibodies were detected in serum samples in 306 children of 5-18 years, from Abidjan. In addition, demographic and socioeconomic data were collected. The overall prevalence of antibodies to HAV was 81.3% and was significantly correlated with the age of participants. It was 39.6% among those <6 years and 83.7% among those >15 years. Among predictive factors studied, the type of housing, environment, sewage disposal, parent’s education, number of siblings and economic status were highly associated with the seroprevalence of HAV. The children with high socioeconomic status presented the lower rates. The results of this study suggest that Abidjan is a high endemic area; however the children coming from high socio-economic environment remain vulnerable to the HAV. Anti HAV vaccination could be recommended with children of high socioeconomic status.