Acta Microbiologica Hellenica
Volume 44, Issue 1, 1999, Pages 46-50

Prevalence of hepatitis C markers among Greek origin refugees from the former Soviet Union (Article)

Gregoriadou A.* , Delidou-Tsogia K. , Dardavessis Th. , Pigadas A. , Tirodimos I. , Katsougiannopoulos V.
  • a Laboratory of Hygiene, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • b Laboratory of Hygiene, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • c Laboratory of Hygiene, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • d Laboratory of Hygiene, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • e Laboratory of Hygiene, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • f Laboratory of Hygiene, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract

After 1990, former USSR citizens of Greek origin, came as refugees in vast numbers and settled in our country. The aim of this study was to carry out research regarding hepatitis C prevalence among a random sample. It is known that hepatitis C is a serious disease which can lead to cirrhosis and to primary hepatocellular carcinoma. The number of blood samples collected was 728, 304 for men (41,8%) and 424 (58,2%) for women. The serologic test was conducted with enzyme immunoassay, in order to reveal antibodies HCV (anti-HCV core, -NS3, -Ns4). The results showed that 2,5% were positive to the above antibodies (men 5,3%, women 0,5%). It is concluded that the above percentage is high when compared to this of the Greek population (0,4%- 0,58%). Taking into account the fact that repatriated citizens of the former USSR of Greek origin form a new immigrant group, it is essential that we carry out projects for the control and prevention of hepatitis C as well as for the protection of Public Health.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

blood sampling human USSR Greece refugee liver cell carcinoma prevalence Article disease marker infection control immigration hepatitis C
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0032710277&partnerID=40&md5=50ee9be32351cfa27315098b51f82014
ISSN: 04389573
Cited by: 1
Original Language: Greek