Tracking epidemiological shifts in hepatitis A in Portugal: a comparison of seroprevalence between two nationwide surveys, 2001 to 2002 and 2015 to 2016.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hepatitis A incidence in Portugal declined from 20.1 to 0.4/100,000 population between 1987 and 2023, changing non-vaccinated population susceptibility. This shift has contributed to more frequent outbreaks, including in 2024-25, highlighting the need to enhance surveillance and integrate serological data.

Aim

We aimed to describe the exposure profile of the Portuguese population to hepatitis A virus (HAV) over time by estimating and comparing the seroprevalence of hepatitis A in two nationwide surveys.

Methods

Data from two cross-sectional seroprevalence studies performed in 2001-02 and 2015-16 in the population aged ≥ 2 years were analysed. Seroprevalence was weighted for population distribution by age, sex and region, and then analysed by birth cohort (1

SUBMITTER: Manageiro V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12449678 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature