Theoretical estimation of the epidemiological impact of hepatitis A infection in Colombia

Background: Hepatitis A vaccination is justified in areas with an intermediate endemicity of the infection. Aim: To estimate the epidemiological impact of hepatitis A infection in Colombia. Material and Methods: Epidemiological indicators of hepatitis A infection prevalence by age, morbidity by age, and lethality by age were estimated from a literature search. These measures were projected on a hypothetical cohort of children followed from birth until 15 years of age. The number of cases of infection, jaundice, hepatic failure, hospitalizations and deaths were estimated. Results: From birth to adolescence, a cohort of 872 923 urban children in Colombia would generate between 312,331 and 598,591 infections, between 13,586 and 25,960 hospitalizations, between 213 and 407 hepatic failures and between 107 and 204 deaths. Conclusions: The impact of hepatitis A infection in Colombia, is important. Introducing hepatitis A vaccination would reduce a substantial number of severe hepatitis A cases.