HBV, HCV and HDV infections in Albanian refugees in Southern Italy (Apulia region).
The seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C and D markers was assessed in a sample of 670 Albanian refugees in Southern Italy in 1997. The mean age was 25 years (S.D. = 12.3). Of study subjects 62.1% (95% CI: 58.4-65.7) were positive for anti-HBc antibodies and 13.6% (95% CI: 10.9-16.1) for HBsAg. The prevalence of anti-HBs was 47.6% (95% CI: 43.8-51.3). Among HBsAg carriers the prevalence of HBeAg was 7.7% (95% CI: 2.2-13.1). The highest carrier rate for HBsAg (25.5%; 95% CI: 16.7-34.3) was found in the age group 21-25 years. A relevant finding was a prevalence of HBsAg of 8.1% in children 10 years and under. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 0.3% (95% CI: 0.0-0.7) while only one of the HBsAg carriers was positive for anti-HDV (1.1%, 95% CI: 0-3.2). In Albania, hepatitis B infection represents a public health priority that should be addressed by a universal vaccination campaign.
Chironna
M
M
Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of Bari, Italy.
Germinario
C
C
Lopalco
P L
PL
Quarto
M
M
Barbuti
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000415:Albania / Q000208:ethnology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004641:Emigration and Immigration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003699:Hepatitis D / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012036:Refugees / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D014611:Vaccination
D015415:Biomarkers; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies