DECLINING PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODIES TO HEPATITIS-A VIRUS-INFECTION IN ICELAND

The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) was investigated in 445 outpatients in Iceland in 1987. No difference in anti-HAV prevalence according to sex or residence was found. The prevalence rates were low in persons < 50 years with a sharp increase in persons greater-than-or-equal-to 50 years. The prevalence of anti-HAV was now significantly lower in the age groups of 40-49 years and 50-59 years than in 1979 indicating a cohort effect. These findings correspond to a marked decrease in notified cases of hepatitis (epidemic jaundice) after 1950 in Iceland.