HAV, which has a worldwide distribution, is prevalent in Israel. The licensing of active HAV vaccine raises the question of vaccine candidates. Various groups of employees are under theoretical risk, including health workers, especially those in close contact with children.
Aim of study: determination of HAV seropositivity among children’s hospital staff and correlating seropositivity with demographic and occupational factors as an aid for appropriate vaccine policy.
Methods: the study population included Schneider Children’s Medical Center employees. After informed consent, a questionnaire was filled and 3ml of blood were drawn. Serum HAV IgG antibodies were measured by Elisa kit (Abbot).
Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify correlates significantly associated with seropositivity.
Results: of 491 employees studied, 79.1% were female, 93.3% Jewish, 16.4% immigrants (<10 years in Israel) and 88.6% urban residents.
Overall, 48.3% had HAV IgG antibodies. Univariate analysis identified several demographic factors, which increased significantly the seropositivity rate: increased age, rural residency, crowding during childhood, and lower education. Occupation also significantly (p<0.001) affected seropositivity, which was lowest in physicians (39.6%), and higher in nurses (48.7%), secretaries (51.4%) and paramedical workers, especially nursemaids (58.2%) . These were also significant by multivariate analysis.
Conclusion: Since most employees are seronegative and therefore susceptible to HAV, vaccination of those at risk should be considered