• Sanshriti Chauhan, Jyotsna Agarwal, Amita Jain, K K Sawlani, Prashant Gupta, Abhishek Goel, Neera Verma, and D Himanshu.
• Department of Internal Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
• Indian J Med Res. 2019 Nov 1; 150 (5): 508-511.

Background & ObjectivesHumans are considered to be the principal host for hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. In India, heterogeneous groups of susceptible individuals coexist in different regions. There has been a decline in antibody titres to HAV among young adults which may pose a major public health problem. The objective of this study was to assess the IgG anti-HAV level among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the age group of 20-60 yr and its association with the socio-demographic variables.MethodsBlood sample (2 ml) was collected under aseptic conditions from each participant followed by the preparation of serum and storing at -20°C. ELISA-based kits were used for the determination of IgG antibodies to HAV in the human serum samples.ResultsTwo hundred and fifty four HCWs were enrolled. IgG anti-HAV antibodies were detected in 97.2 per cent of the samples analyzed. No differences were observed in the levels of IgG anti-HAV antibody and education, income, occupation and socio-economic classes of the HCWs. A seropositivity rate of over 90 per cent was seen amongst all the socio-economic classes.Interpretation & ConclusionsHigh levels of IgG protective antibodies were seen among the studied HCWs, hence HAV vaccination may not be required. It will be advisable to do a cost-benefit analysis of vaccination for HAV.

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