Læknabladid
Volume 92, Issue 10, 2006, Pages 669-673

Viral hepatitis B and C among immigrants in Iceland [Lifrarbólga af vökdum lifrarbólguveira B og C hjá innflytjendum á Islandi.] (Article)

Jónsdóttir G.* , Briem H. , Blöndal T. , Pálsson G. , Olafsson S. , Gudnason T.
  • a Dept of Emergency, Landspítali University Hospital, HringbrautReykjavík 101, Iceland
  • b Dept of Emergency, Landspítali University Hospital, HringbrautReykjavík 101, Iceland
  • c Dept of Emergency, Landspítali University Hospital, HringbrautReykjavík 101, Iceland
  • d Dept of Emergency, Landspítali University Hospital, HringbrautReykjavík 101, Iceland
  • e Dept of Emergency, Landspítali University Hospital, HringbrautReykjavík 101, Iceland
  • f Dept of Emergency, Landspítali University Hospital, HringbrautReykjavík 101, Iceland

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Viral hepatitis B and C are a major health problem worldwide. The prevalence of these diseases varies throughout the world. In Iceland, the incidence of hepatitis B and C has increased in recent years. At the same time, the number of immigrants from countries where viral hepatitis is endemic, has also increased. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of hepatitis B and C among immigrants in Iceland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Immigrants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) were screened for hepatitis B and C. Medical records for the years 2000-2002 were reviewed for country of origin, viral serology and liver transaminases. Information was gathered from the State Epidemiologist's central registry of notifiable diseases and from the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration on the number of residence permits issued. RESULTS: 70% of all immigrants from countries outside the EEA during the study period were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained from 2946 immigrants. 83 (2.8%) had hepatitis B and 24 (0.8%) had hepatitis C. Prevalence of hepatitis B was highest among immigrants from Africa,11/171 (6.4%; 95% CI: 3.3-11.2%) and hepatitis C among immigrants from Eastern Europe, 16/1502 (1.1%; 95% CI: 0.6-1.7%). 482 (16%) had serological markers of previous hepatitis B infection. Of all registered cases of hepatitis B, immigrants were 56% and of hepatitis C 10%. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Majority of those diagnosed with hepatitis B during the study period were immigrants. 2. Among immigrants, hepatitis B was more prevalent than hepatitis C. 3) The high prevalence of hepatitis B justifies screening for the disease in this population.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Europe, Eastern Registries mass screening Transaminases register human epidemiology middle aged Asia statistics Time Factors Aged Eastern Europe ethnology Iceland aminotransferase Humans hepatitis C Adolescent virology Infant, Newborn preschool child Aged, 80 and over Infant Child, Preschool newborn Africa prevalence Article blood enzymology adult migration endemic disease age distribution Endemic Diseases Emigration and Immigration hepatitis B Seroepidemiologic Studies hepatitis antibody Hepatitis Antibodies time Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-36549057286&partnerID=40&md5=59d3308c213498bc4c28985292b8e21f
ISSN: 00237213
Cited by: 4
Original Language: Icelandic