Immune profiles of hepatitis A in patients with chronic liver disease across three major hospitals in Sri Lanka

Objectives: Viral hepatitis poses a significant public health issue globally, with hepatitis A, B, and D preventable through vaccination. Chronic liver disease (CLD) patients are at high risk for complications from hepatitis A infection, making vaccination essential. However, data on hepatitis A seroprevalence and vaccination coverage among CLD patients in Sri Lanka are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the immune and vaccination status for hepatitis A among CLD patients in three major Sri Lankan hospitals. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2022 among 151 newly registered CLD patients at gastroenterology clinics in three government hospitals. Data on demographics and vaccination history were collected through interviews. Immune status for hepatitis A (IgG) was determined using commercial chemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: Participants ranged from 10 to 81 years (Mean = 59.5 years, SD = 10.66), with most (54.9%) over 61 years, and a male predominance (58.9%). Hepatitis A immunity was observed in 79.4% of participants. Vaccination rates were very low, with only 0.66% vaccinated for hepatitis A. Conclusion: Hepatitis A seroprevalence among CLD patients was 79.4%. Vaccination coverage was low, indicating that assessing hepatitis A immunity and vaccinating non-immune patients may be more effective than universal vaccination in Sri Lanka.