FREQUENCY OF HEPATITIS A ANTIBODIES IN PATIENTS ATTENDING CONSULTATION FOR ABNORMAL LIVER FUNCTION TESTS

Introduction and Objectives

As of 2024, only 8 out of 25 Latin American countries have incorporated the hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine into their national immunization programs. In Peru, there is a widespread belief—both among healthcare professionals and the general population—that, due to poor sanitation and food safety, most adults have been exposed to HAV and are therefore assumed to be immune, making vaccination seem unnecessary.

To determine the frequency of IgG antibodies against HAV in patients undergoing medical evaluation for altered liver function tests.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the gastroenterology outpatient clinic of a private institution between January 2023 and January 2025. Adult patients presenting with abnormal liver enzyme tests were included. Foreign nationals and minors were excluded. Informed consent was obtained, and participants were asked about a history of HAV infection and vaccination.

Results

A total of 250 patients were included, with a mean age of 56.4 ± 15.5 years (range: 18–90); 51.2% (n = 128) were male. IgG anti-HAV seropositivity was found in 74.4% of participants. Among those who reported having had hepatitis A, 74% were IgG positive. Additionally, 88.4% of patients did not know their vaccination status.

Conclusions

Although Peru is considered an endemic area for HAV, only 74.4% of adults in our serie showed serologic evidence of immunity. Self-reported infection or vaccination history was not a reliable predictor of HAV immunity.

Conflict of interest: None