Hepatitis A outbreaks in China during 2006: application of molecular epidemiology.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In China, hepatitis is a huge public health problem. Outbreaks of hepatitis A are the most frequent cause of acute hepatitis, and to date, few epidemiologic investigations or molecular surveillance studies have been performed.

Materials and methods

In 2006, two major outbreaks of hepatitis A occurred, one in Guigang City, southern China, and the other in Hetian City, northwestern China. Field and molecular epidemiologic investigations were conducted.

Results

In Guigang, a single outbreak occurred in a school; 35 patients and 25 asymptomatic individuals were infected with 1 strain of hepatitis A virus (HAV). A case-control study showed that contaminated water was the likely transmission source. In Hetian, the epidemic of hepatitis A consisted of sporadic, sm

SUBMITTER: Cao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2716766 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature