The prevalence of hepatitis A decreases with improved hygiene and changing lifestyle. However, hepatitis A remains a global problem causing sporadic food-borne infections. Over the past 5 years, hepatitis A incidence has increased, and 15 deaths were reported in 2009 in Korea. Concerns about hepatitis A infection have increased. We checked hepatitis A virus antibody (HAV anti-IgG) in a large manufacturing company, so that the results could be a guideline for workplace preventive plan and health policy for hepatitis A.

We investigated the seroprevalence of HAV anti-IgG and the demographic characteristics of employee volunteer, in a company in Ulsan. In addition, we estimated those factors that affected seroprevalence of HAV anti-IgG.

A total of 2,719 employee volunteers were enrolled into the study. The seropositive rate of HAV anti-IgG was 69.8% (n=1,899) and, the seronegative rate was 30.2% (n=820). There were no enrolled employees under age 24 years who tested positive for HAV anti-IgG; in this group, the seropositive rate was 0.0% (n=0); in 25~29 years the rate was 3.9% (n=12) and 26.5% (n=118) in 30~34 years olds. In the 35-39 ears, 61.1% (n=203) tested HAV anti-IgG positive and 86.8% (n=256) of 40~44 years tested positive. Other group tested as follows: 96.5% (n=335) in 45~49 year olds, 98.7% (n=593) in 50~54 year olds, and 100% (n=382) in over 55 years. There was a significantly increasing tendency to test HAV anti-IgG positive according to age group. In the 34-35 year olds, the seropositive rate exceeded the seronegative rate.

HAV anti-IgG seropositive rate increased according to age. The result can used for guideline recommendationsand establishing hepatitis A policies.