A Study on Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A Virus among Healthcare Workers at a University-Affiliated Hospital in Deajeon, Korea

Background: In 2019, there was an outbreak of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections in Korea. This study was performed to determine the seroprevalence of HAV among healthcare workers (HCWs) in a university-affiliated hospital and to establish an appropriate vaccination strategy against HAV for HCWs. Methods: Total antibody titers to HAV were measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay kit in 1,466 HCWs. The seroprevalence of HAV and HAV vaccination rates in HCWs who were negative for anti-HAV were determined and compared among age and occupational groups. Results: In the whole study population, the seroprevalence of HAV was 49.9%. The seroprevalence was 56.3% in HCWs aged 20-24 years, decreased to 20.9% in those aged 35-39 years, and increased to 100% in those aged 60 years or more. Among HCWs who were seronegative for HAV, 70.6% received HAV vaccination. Among the occupational groups, the vaccination rate was the highest in the nurse group (80.6%) and the lowest in the doctor group (40.2%) ( P <0.001). Conclusion: HCWs in their thirties and forties, who demonstrated the lowest seroprevalence of HAV among the age groups, should be prioritized for HAV vaccination. In addition to sero-logic tests for HAV, interventions to increase vaccination rates should be applied for HCWs, particularly doctors.