Background: The prevalence of Hepatitis A can be studied in an easy and non-invasive way by studying the immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in the cord blood which is representative of adult population protected against Hepatitis A, either through vaccination or previous exposure. An epidemiological shift from high to intermediate endemicity of HAV is now being observed worldwide.
Aim: To find if improved health care, sanitation and socio-economic status have changed the previously documented seropositivity patterns in Delhi.
Design: An observational analytical cross sectional study was done in the Department of Paediatrics of a tertiary referral centre in Delhi from July 2011 to July 2013.
Method: 285 consecutive admissions in reproductive age group attending the family welfare services at the TirathRam Shah Hospital for the purpose of antenatal care and childbirth were recruited and their cord blood samples were analysed for the presence of anti HAV IgG antibodies.
Results: Out of 285 recruited subjects, a very high proportion i.e. 260 tested positive for Hepatitis A Virus IgG antibodies, showing 91.2 % seropositivity.
Conclusions: Hepatitis A seroprevalence continues to be high in the adult population from urban high socioeconomic strata of Delhi. The seroprevalence of anti-Hepatitis A antibodies is similar across various age groups in women of child bearing age irrespective of socio-economic status, geographical area, source of water supply or profession.