World Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume 9, Issue 5, 2003, Pages 993-995

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C markers among refugees in Athens (Article) (Open Access)

Roussos A.* , Goritsas C. , Pappas T. , Spanaki M. , Papadaki P. , Ferti A.
  • a Department of Internal Medicine, General Regional Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece, Blood Bank, General Regional Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece
  • b Department of Internal Medicine, General Regional Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece, Blood Bank, General Regional Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece
  • c Department of Internal Medicine, General Regional Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece, Blood Bank, General Regional Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece
  • d Department of Internal Medicine, General Regional Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece, Blood Bank, General Regional Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece
  • e Department of Internal Medicine, General Regional Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece, Blood Bank, General Regional Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece
  • f Department of Internal Medicine, General Regional Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece, Blood Bank, General Regional Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece

Abstract

Aim: 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. Conclusion: 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.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

refugee Albania population human community Asia validation process controlled study comparative study Hepatitis C virus Aged Hepatitis B virus ethnology statistical significance health program male female Greece prevalence hepatitis B core antibody Article major clinical study adult gender serology age hepatitis C antibody hepatitis B surface antigen vaccination hepatitis B immunoassay biochemical marker hepatitis C health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0038544208&doi=10.3748%2fwjg.v9.i5.993&partnerID=40&md5=88dbc824050bd27f43c22e37198762a7
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v9.i5.993
ISSN: 10079327
Cited by: 42
Original Language: English