European Journal of Epidemiology
Volume 9, Issue 5, 1993, Pages 537-540

Prevalence of hepatitis virus infections in Albanian refugees (Article)

Santantonio T.* , Lo Caputo S. , Germinario C. , Squarcione S. , Greco D. , Laddago V. , Pastore G.
  • a Clinica delle Malattie Infettive, Università di Bari, Piazza G. Cesare, II, Bari, 70124, Italy
  • b Clinica delle Malattie Infettive, Università di Bari, Piazza G. Cesare, II, Bari, 70124, Italy
  • c Istituto di Igiene, Università di Bari, Italy
  • d Ministero della Sanità, Roma, Italy
  • e Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
  • f Clinica delle Malattie Infettive, Università di Bari, Piazza G. Cesare, II, Bari, 70124, Italy
  • g Clinica delle Malattie Infettive, Università di Bari, Piazza G. Cesare, II, Bari, 70124, Italy

Abstract

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. © 1993 Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Author Keywords

Hepatitis A virus Hepatitis D virus Hepatitis B virus Hepatitis C virus Albanian refugees

Index Keywords

hepatitis vaccine refugee Albania human Refugees hepatitis A Adolescent male female Infant Child, Preschool high risk population prevalence Article Support, Non-U.S. Gov't adult major clinical study Hepatitis, Viral, Human Italy vaccination hepatitis B Middle Age Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0027427807&doi=10.1007%2fBF00209532&partnerID=40&md5=8572f610ed621f5ef7e581c83a7e3aa8
DOI: 10.1007/BF00209532
ISSN: 03922990
Cited by: 26
Original Language: English