Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pediatrics

Background: Hepatitis A is the most common form of acute viral hepatitis in the developing countries. It is transmitted through orofecal route. In children < 6 years of age, most infections are asymptomatic, and if illness does occur, it is usually anicteric. Aim of the work: The aim of this study to determine the incidence of acute hepatitis A virus infection among children aged from 6 months to 5 years presenting with acute onset of gastrointestinal symptoms. We also aimed to identify various risk factors of hepatitis A virus transmission. Methods: We conducted this cross sectional study at the outpatient clinic of Pediatric Hospital, Cairo University among 200 children aged from 6 months to 5 years of both sex. Serum samples were tested for AST, ALT and anti HAV IgM antibody. ELISA technique was used to detect HAV IgM. Results: A total number of 24 (12%) out of 200 patients were found to have HAV IgM antibodies. Maternal and paternal education, practice of cleaning, crowding, source of water and lack of sanitary facilities were significantly associated with HAV IgM positive cases (p-value <0.05). ALT and AST were significantly associated with HAV IgM positive cases - p-value<0.01

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