Prevalence of hepatitis B and C markers among refugees in Athens.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of hepatitis B and C serological markers in a population of refugees living in Athens.


METHODS
One hundred and thirty refugees (81 males and 49 females, mean age +/-SD: 31.7+/-8 years) were included in the study. The hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), the hepatitis B virus core antibody (anti-HBc) and the hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) were detected using a third-generation immunoassay.


RESULTS
Twenty individuals (15.4 %) were HBsAg positive and 69 (53.1 %) were anti-HBc positive. The prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBc was higher among refugees from Albania and Asia (statistical significant difference, P<0.008 and P<0.001 respectively). The prevalence of these markers was found irrelevant to age or sex. Anti-HCV was detected in the serum of 3 individuals (2.3 %). No differences among age, sex or ethnicity regarding anti-HCV prevalence were found.


CONCLUSIONS
It can be concluded that refugees living in Athens are an immigrant population characterized by a high incidence of HBV infection. The prevalence of HBV markers is higher among refugees from Albania and Asia. It is therefore believed that the adherence to general precautions and the initiation of HBV vaccination programs will be necessary in the future, especially in these communities. Although the prevalence of HCV infection seems to be relatively low, extended epidemiological surveys are needed to provide valid results.
Roussos
Anastasios
A
Department of Internal Medicine, General Regional Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece. roumar26@yahoo.com
Goritsas
Constantin
C
Pappas
Thomas
T
Spanaki
Maria
M
Papadaki
Panagiota
P
Ferti
Angeliki
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000415:Albania / Q000208:ethnology; D001208:Asia / Q000208:ethnology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012036:Refugees; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
D015415:Biomarkers; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies