Prevalence of Hepatitis Virus Infections in Albanian Refugees

A sample of 393 Albanian refugees, including both children and adults, was tested for serological HAV, HBV, HDV and HCV markers. A high prevalence of infection with both the hepatitis A and B viruses was found, while HDV and HCV infections were uncommon. The overall prevalence of anti-HAV was 96%; i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of epidemiology 1993-09, Vol.9 (5), p.537-540
Main Authors: Santantonio, T., Lo Caputo, S., Germinario, C., Squarcione, S., Greco, D., Laddago, V., Pastore, G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Age groups
Albania - ethnology
Antibodies
Biological and medical sciences
Child
Child, Preschool
Children
Female
Hepatitis A virus
Hepatitis antigens
Hepatitis B virus
Hepatitis delta virus
Hepatitis viruses
Hepatitis, Viral, Human - epidemiology
Hepatitis, Viral, Human - ethnology
Human viral diseases
Humans
Infant
Infections
Infectious diseases
Italy - epidemiology
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Refugees
Refugees - statistics & numerical data
Viral diseases
Viral hepatitis
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Summary:A sample of 393 Albanian refugees, including both children and adults, was tested for serological HAV, HBV, HDV and HCV markers. A high prevalence of infection with both the hepatitis A and B viruses was found, while HDV and HCV infections were uncommon. The overall prevalence of anti-HAV was 96%; it was very high in children 0-10 years, suggesting that HAV infection is largely acquired during childhood and that poor ambiental conditions influence the spreading of this viral infection. One or more serological markers of HBV infection were found in 295 Albanians (75%), confirming the endemic nature of this virus in the Albanian community. The overall prevalence of HBsAg was 19%, and the carrier rate was higher in males than in females. The high HBsAg prevalence among children suggests that HBV infection is usually acquired in early childhood. The serological data obtained in the Albanian sample examined clearly indicate the urgent need for measures to reduce the incidence of HAV and HBV infections and to avoid the further spread of HDV and HCV infections. Finally, the high prevalence of type B hepatitis indicates the necessity of vaccination against HBV for all risk groups and for all children at birth.
ISSN:0393-2990
1573-7284
DOI:10.1007/BF00209532