Summary
Background: The rise in the standard of living of the Israeli population during recent decades has been accompanied by a significant decline in the prevalence of various viral diseases including hepatitis A (HAV). This trend is not reflected in the seroprevalence of herpes simplex (HSV) infection, which has remained stable during these years.
Materials and Methods: The Public Health Branch of the Israel Defense Force (IDF) Medical Corps continuously draws a systematic, representative sample of male and female recruits on their 1st day of service, based on digit combinations of the military identification number. These recruits are asked to give a blood sample and to undergo a short interview. A quantitative determination of anti-HSV-1 and anti-HAV antibodies was performed.
Results: In the present study that included 124 male and 98 female 18-year-old army recruits, 51.1% of the anti-HSV-positive subjects was also positive for anti-HAV, compared to 27% among anti-HSV-negative persons. Rate ratio (RR) for anti-HAV seropositivity between anti-HSV-1-positive and negative recruits was 1.86 (95% Cl 1.3–2.7).
Conclusion: The present study suggests a strong association between the seroprevalence of both viruses.
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Received: December 5, 1999 · Revision accepted: February 23, 2000
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Katz, J., Gdalevich, M., Ashkenazi, I. et al. Association in the Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A and Herpes simplex-1 Viruses in Young Adults in Israel. Infection 28, 231–233 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s150100070042
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s150100070042