Analyzing immunity against hepatitis A in 6-11 years old children in Kerman county

Introduction: Hepatitis A is caused by a virus with a similar name. As a very contagious disease, Hepatitis A is one of the most prevalent infant infections across the developing countries. People who have been vaccinated and also those who caught this disease already are immune against hepatitis A. Since it was not possible and cost effective to analyze the immunity level of all asymptomatic children, in this study, the immunity level of some children against this virus was measured in order to estimate their immunity potential against this infection. Methods: A total of 400 6-11 years old children in Kerman County, who have referred to the Be'sat Specialized Clinic and infants emergency care ward of Afzalipour Hospital and their blood have been collected for any reason except diagnosing hepatitis, were studied. Children with chronic liver, blood, immunity system deficiency and malignity were excluded from the study. Using ELISA technique and Dia-pro Milano Italy, made by Italy (with a sensitivity of 100% and specialty of 99.6%), their serum was analyzed in terms of anti-hepatitis data were analyzed using SPSS 16. Results: 42.8% of children were immune against hepatitis A. 55% and 45% of children referred to the mentioned medical centers were girl and boy, respectively. 59.1% of boys and 40.9% of girls were immune, but there was not any significant difference between them. There was a direct relationship between immunity and children's age, as with increasing their age as large as 1 year their immunity level against hepatitis A is increased as large as 0.75%. There was not found any relationship between the immunity level and other demographic properties. Conclusion: Most of 6-11 children are immune against hepatitis A because of their asymptomatic disease.