Scientists at University of Verona publish new data on hepatitis A virus
December 1st, 2008
2008 DEC 1 -- According to recent research published in the Journal of Travel Medicine, "In Italy, about 5% of the population is represented by immigrants. The epidemiology of hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Africa is very different from Europe; the present study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of viral hepatitis infections in sub-Saharan African immigrants living in Verona."
"A total of 182 illegal immigrants were interviewed concerning sociodemographic characteristics and epidemiological information. Their serum was tested for anti-HAV [immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM], HBV (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, HBeAg, and anti-HBe), and HCV(anti-HCV) markers. The immigrants (age: 3 mo-60 y) were mostly single and males, with a higher education; only 50% of them declared having a regular job. Anti-IgGHAV+ prevalence was 99.5% (100% HAV positivity in the younger age bracket). As for HBV, 67.6% (123) of the immigrants were naturally infected and 9.3% had chronic infection; 4.4% were anti-HBs+ isolated (vaccinated). For HBV infection (any HBV marker), a significant difference was only found for increasing age (p < 0.01) and married people (p < 0.001). A statistically significant prevalence of HBsAg was found among the unemployed (p < 0.001) and those with a lower education (p < 0.05). Five cases (2.7%) resulted in HCV+ with no reported specific risk factors and with no significantly different sociodemographic features; these people tended to report a low level of education and unemployment. HAV and HBV positivity is higher than in the autochthonous population. While HAV positivity merely represents past infection, the high prevalence of HBsAg in immigrants and the presence of HBsAg/HBeAg in the same group may represent a risk for HBV transmission," wrote S. Majori and colleagues, University of Verona.
The researchers concluded: "The HCV positivity rate resulted similar to the prevalence of the Italian population."
Majori and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Travel Medicine (Hepatitis A, B, and C infection in a community of sub-Saharan immigrants living in Verona (Italy). Journal of Travel Medicine, 2008;15(5):323-327).
For additional information, contact S. Majori, University of Verona, Ist Biology 2, Sez Igiene Med Prevention Ambientale Occupaz, Dipartimento Med Sanita Pubbl, Str Le Grazie 8, I-37134 Verona, Italy.
The publisher's contact information for the Journal of Travel Medicine is: Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DQ, Oxon, England.
Keywords: Italy, Verona, Antigens, Epidemiology, Gastroenterology, HAV, HBV, HCV, Hepatitis A Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Hepatology, Infectious Disease, Travel Health, Travel Medicine, Virology, University of Verona.
This article was prepared by Hepatitis Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Hepatitis Weekly via NewsRx.com.
