Hepatitis A Virus Seroprevalence in Medical Students in Morocco

Elkochri S, Abi R, Tagajdid MR, Elannaz H, Touil N, Laraqui A, Elmachichi B, Reggad A, Kasmy Z, Elamraoui F, Aadi Y, Benaissi Y, Sefsafi Y, Qatni Y, Bouaiti L, Lahlou AI and Ennibi K

Department of Virology, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, and Hassan II University, Morocco
Department of Virology, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, and Mohammed V University, Morocco

^*Correspondance to: Safae Elkochri 

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Abstract:

Objective: Medical students are commonly exposed to infectious agents, including Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) which may cause morbidity and even deaths. The identification of prevalence is essential for implementing efficacious preventive measures. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-HAV IgG in Moroccan medical students. Results: Sera from 135 medical students; (69.6%) male and 41 (30.3%) female, were included in the study at Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital. HAV seropositivity was unexpectedly low (35.5%, n=48). Conclusion: This is the first prospective seroprevalence study of hepatitis A in Moroccan medical students. The high susceptibility and increased risk of clinical HAV infection identify a need for primary prevention through the administration of vaccination in this group.

Keywords:

Hepatitis A; Medical student; Epidemiology; Morocco

Cite the Article:

Elkochri S, Abi R, Tagajdid MR, Elannaz H, Touil N, Laraqui A, et al. Hepatitis A Virus Seroprevalence in Medical Students in Morocco. Clin Case Rep Int. 2024; 8: 1690.