1
|
Rigopoulou EI, Gatselis NK, Galanis K, Lygoura V, Gabeta S, Zachou K, Dalekos GN. The changing epidemiology of hepatitis B in Greece. Ann Gastroenterol 2021; 34:431-437. [PMID: 33948070 PMCID: PMC8079866 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2021.0614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has changed in recent years as a result of various factors. Our aim was to assess the epidemiological characteristics and the evolution of the HBV infection in a well-defined area of Greece. Method Prospectively collected data from 1910 consecutive patients (60.8% male, age: 50.1 years) with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) followed from 1999-2016 were analyzed. Results Of the patients evaluated, 90.6% were of Greek and 8% of Albanian origin. Vertical/intrafamilial transmission during early childhood (56.8%) and traditional practices (17.2%) were the most common infection sources. Several areas with higher rates of CHB were identified. At first evaluation, 68.8% had chronic infection, 21.7% chronic hepatitis, 6.1% cirrhosis and 3.4% hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Comparison between 2 periods (1999-2010 and 2011-2016) revealed older age and longer disease duration at first presentation (P<0.001 for both) to be more common during 2011-2016, while patients of foreign nationality doubled during this period. There was a trend towards more advanced disease stage at first assessment during 2011-2016. Patients after 2011 had lower rates of virological and biochemical breakthrough (P<0.001 for both) during treatment with new antivirals. In addition, fewer patients progressed to cirrhosis (P=0.02) and HCC (P=0.04). Conclusions CHB continues to be a major health problem in Central Greece, as highlighted by the preservation of high prevalence areas and a tendency towards an increase of chronic liver disease burden longitudinally. Our data highlight the need for scaling-up prevention and treatment strategies, especially in at-risk populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eirini I Rigopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Galanis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Lygoura
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| | - Stella Gabeta
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
DONISI ALESSANDRA, GERNA LAURA, FIETTA TOMMASO, GRECCHI CECILIA. Screening approach among newly arrived asylum seekers: experience in a primary health care setting in Piacenza, Emilia Romagna, Northern Italy. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2020; 61:E445-E450. [PMID: 33150232 PMCID: PMC7595074 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.3.1528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
In the last ten years the number of asylum seekers has increased in all of Europe. Our Migrants Health Unit in Piacenza, Emilia Romagna, Italy, is designated to provide primary health care for migrants without a regular permit of stay and, since 2015, is the reference center for asylum-seekers in our Province. Aim of this study is to describe the results of the screening for infectious diseases performed in asylum seekers from January 2015 to December 2015. For any asylum seekers referred to our Centre, we recorded demographical data and we offered screening for HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis and active tuberculosis (TB). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the characteristics of the cohort. In 2015, 316 asylum seekers accessed to our Centre. Of them, the majority were men (N= 275; 87,03%). Africa was the most represented geographical area (221, 69,94%), followed from Asia (95, 30.06%). The median age was 25,4 years. 301 patients underwent chest X-Ray, that resulted negative in 262 cases (87%). HBsAg testing proved to be positive in 17 (5,3%) cases. The screening test for HCV, HIV and syphilis resulted respectively positive in 1.9%, 0.3% and 1.6%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- ALESSANDRA DONISI
- Migration Health Unit, Department of Primary Health Care, AUSL Piacenza, Italy
| | - LAURA GERNA
- Infectious Diseases Unit, General Hospital of Piacenza, Italy
| | - TOMMASO FIETTA
- Migration Health Unit, Department of Primary Health Care, AUSL Piacenza, Italy
| | - CECILIA GRECCHI
- Migration Health Unit, Department of Primary Health Care, AUSL Piacenza, Italy
- Correspondence: Cecilia Grecchi, Migration Health Unit, Department of Primary Health Care, AUSL Piacenza, Italy - E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Touloumi G, Karakosta A, Sypsa V, Petraki I, Anagnostou O, Terzidis A, Voudouri NM, Gavana M, Vantarakis A, Rachiotis G, Kantzanou M, Rosenberg T, Papatheodoridis G, Hatzakis A. Design and Development of a Viral Hepatitis and HIV Infection Screening Program (Hprolipsis) for the General, Greek Roma, and Migrant Populations of Greece: Protocol for Three Cross-Sectional Health Examination Surveys. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e13578. [PMID: 32004142 PMCID: PMC7055811 DOI: 10.2196/13578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although infectious diseases are globally on the decline, they remain a major global public health problem. Among them, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infection are of primary interest. Valid prevalence data on these infections are sparse in Greece, especially for vulnerable populations. Objective This study aimed to present the design and methods of Hprolipsis, an integrated viral hepatitis and HIV screening program administered to adults (≥18 years) from the general, Greek Roma, and migrant populations. Its aims were to estimate the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV; assess infectious disease knowledge level; design, implement, and assess population-specific awareness actions; and offer individual counseling and referral when indicated and HBV vaccination to susceptible Roma and migrants. Methods Multistage, stratified, random sampling based on the 2011 Census was applied to select the general population sample, and nonprobability multistage quota sampling was used for Roma and migrant sample selection. Trained personnel made home (general population) or community (Roma and migrants) visits. Collected blood samples were tested for Hepatitis B surface Antigen, Hepatitis B core Antibody, Hepatitis B surface Antibody, Hepatitis C Antibody, and HIV 1,2 Antibody. The surveys were conducted during May 2013 and June 2016. To estimate an HCV prevalence of 1.5% with 0.3 precision, the required general population sample size was estimated to be 6000. As migrants constitute 10% of the whole Greek population, the migrant sample size was set to 600. A feasible sample size of 500 Greek Roma was set. Results In total, 6006 individuals from the general population (response rate 72%), 534 Greek Roma, and 612 migrants were recruited. Blood test results are available for 4245 individuals from the general population, 523 Roma, and 537 migrants. Conclusions Hprolipsis is the first nationwide survey on HBV, HCV, and HIV. Its results will enhance our understanding of the health needs and disease burden of these diseases in the 3 studied populations. Its implementation provided useful recommendations for future studies, particularly in vulnerable populations. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/13578
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giota Touloumi
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Argiro Karakosta
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vana Sypsa
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Petraki
- International Medicine-Health Crisis Management, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Olga Anagnostou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Agis Terzidis
- International Medicine-Health Crisis Management, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Niki Maria Voudouri
- Programs of Development, Social Support, and Medical Cooperation (PRAKSIS), Athens, Greece
| | | | - Magda Gavana
- Department of Primary Health Care, General Practice, and Health Services Research, Medical School of Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Apostolos Vantarakis
- Environmental Microbiology Unit of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Patra, Greece
| | - George Rachiotis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Maria Kantzanou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theofilos Rosenberg
- International Medicine-Health Crisis Management, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Coppola N, Alessio L, Gualdieri L, Pisaturo M, Sagnelli C, Minichini C, Di Caprio G, Starace M, Onorato L, Signoriello G, Macera M, Angelillo IF, Pasquale G, Sagnelli E. Hepatitis B virus infection in undocumented immigrants and refugees in Southern Italy: demographic, virological, and clinical features. Infect Dis Poverty 2017; 6:33. [PMID: 28179020 PMCID: PMC5299765 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-016-0228-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The data on hepatitis b virus (HBV) infection in immigrants population are scanty. The porpoise of this study was to define the demographic, virological, and clinical characteristics of subjects infected with HBV chronic infection in a cohort of immigrants living in Naples, Italy. Methods A screening for HBV infection was offered to 1,331 immigrants, of whom 1,212 (91%) (831 undocumented immigrants and 381 refugees) accepted and were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis B core antibody (HBc). Those found to be HBsAg positive were further investigated at third-level infectious disease units. Results Of the 1,212 immigrants screened, 116 (9.6%) were HBsAg positive, 490 (40.4%) were HBsAg negative/anti-HBc positive, and 606 (50%) were seronegative for both. Moreover, 21 (1.7%) were anti-human immunodeficiency virus positive and 45 (3.7%) were anti-hepatitis C virus positive. The logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (OR: 1.79; 95%CI: 1.28–2.51), Sub-Saharan African origin (OR: 6.18; 95%CI: 3.37–11.36), low level of schooling (OR: 0.96; 95%CI: 0.94–0.99), and minor parenteral risks for acquiring HBV infection (acupuncture, tattoo, piercing, or tribal practices, OR: 1.54; 95%CI: 1.1–2.16) were independently associated with ongoing or past HBV infection. Of the 116 HBsAg-positive immigrants, 90 (77.6%) completed their diagnostic itinerary at a third-level infectious disease unit: 29 (32.2%) were asymptomatic non-viremic HBsAg carriers, 43 (47.8%) were asymptomatic viremic carriers, 14 (15.6%) had chronic hepatitis, and four (4.4%) had liver cirrhosis, with superimposed hepatocellular carcinoma in two. Conclusions The data illustrate the demographic, clinical and virological characteristics of HBV infection in immigrants in Italy and indicate the need for Italian healthcare authorities to enhance their support for providing screening, HBV vaccination, treatment, and educational programs for this populations. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-016-0228-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Coppola
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Via L. Armanni 5, 80133, Naples, Italy.
| | - Loredana Alessio
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Via L. Armanni 5, 80133, Naples, Italy.,Medical Center, Social center "ex Canapificio", Caserta, Italy
| | - Luciano Gualdieri
- Medical Center, Center for the wardship of the immigrants, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariantonietta Pisaturo
- Medical Center, Welcome center 'La tenda di Abramo', Caserta, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Unit, AORN Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano, Caserta, Italy
| | - Caterina Sagnelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Medical center, Center of missionary nuns of carithy, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Minichini
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Via L. Armanni 5, 80133, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Caprio
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Via L. Armanni 5, 80133, Naples, Italy.,Medical Center, Social center "ex Canapificio", Caserta, Italy
| | - Mario Starace
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Via L. Armanni 5, 80133, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Onorato
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Via L. Armanni 5, 80133, Naples, Italy.,Medical Center, Social center "ex Canapificio", Caserta, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Signoriello
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Statistic, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Margherita Macera
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Via L. Armanni 5, 80133, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Pasquale
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Via L. Armanni 5, 80133, Naples, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Triantos C, Konstantakis C, Tselekouni P, Kalafateli M, Aggeletopoulou I, Manolakopoulos S. Epidemiology of hepatitis C in Greece. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:8094-8102. [PMID: 27688651 PMCID: PMC5037078 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i36.8094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C is a global health issue and constitutes a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. In this article, a comprehensive literature search was conducted for the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Greece, since data on the HCV prevalence, viremia and genotypes are important for developing strategies to manage or eliminate HCV infection. In addition, the pattern of HCV infection was analyzed according to the geographic region and the risk factors. These differences reflect not only distinct epidemiological characteristics among populations, but also differences on the strategy of data acquisition and quantification. Although there are not enough data, the estimation of the current prevalence of Hepatitis C in Greece ranges from 0.5% to 2%. The most important risk factors for HCV infection include blood product transfusion, intravenous drug use, chronic hemodialysis, organ transplantation, occupational exposure, sexual transmission, and vertical transmission. Because of lack of vaccine or effective post-exposure prophylaxis for HCV, the main focus of prevention is to recognize and control these risk factors. HCV infection in Greece is closely associated with the development of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. As far as the genotype distribution is concerned genotype 1 estimated to be 45%-47% and it constitutes the prevalent genotype in Greece, followed by genotype 3.
Collapse
|
6
|
Yong Hao G, Da Xing F, Jin X, Xiu Hong F, Pu Mei D, Jun L, Ying Y, Yan Yang Z, Wan Shen G. The prevalence of hepatitis B infection in central China: An adult population-based serological survey of a large sample size. J Med Virol 2016; 89:450-457. [PMID: 27504586 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of serum HBsAg among adults in Henan province, China. A provincial serosurvey of people aged 18-74 years was conducted and individuals for analysis were selected using a multistage stratified random cluster sampling method. A 5-ml serum sample from each person was collected and the serum was tested for the presence of HBsAg, HBcAb, HBsAb, HBeAg, and HBeAb by ELISA. Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with the prevalence of HBsAg. A total of 16,685 residents, aged 18-74 years who resided in 60 communities or villages in Henan, China were surveyed. Among the eligible study population, 642 HBsAg positive cases (3.7%) were found. The prevalence increased steadily from 3.1% among population aged 18-35 years old, to 5.1% among population aged 55-74 years. Accordingly, HBsAb declined steadily from 53.4% to 24.7%. Six hundred and forty-two positive HBsAg blood samples were screened for the HBeAg and HBeAb. HBeAg prevalence declined steadily from 27.7% among population age 18-35 years old to 6.8% among population age 55-74 years old. The single factor analysis was used for 16 possible risk factors and multivariate analysis showed that five risk factors were significantly related to HBV infection. HBV infection is a serious public health problem among adult population in Henan. Strengthening administrative regulations of medical practices, especially in rural areas, and providing health education propaganda to the public of HBV infection should be given more attention on public health policy. J. Med. Virol. 89:450-457, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guo Yong Hao
- Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Feng Da Xing
- Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xu Jin
- Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Feng Xiu Hong
- Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dong Pu Mei
- Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li Jun
- Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ye Ying
- Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhang Yan Yang
- Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guo Wan Shen
- Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Coppola N, Alessio L, Gualdieri L, Pisaturo M, Sagnelli C, Caprio N, Maffei R, Starace M, Angelillo IF, Pasquale G, Sagnelli E. Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infection in undocumented migrants and refugees in southern Italy, January 2012 to June 2013. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 20:30009. [PMID: 26530499 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2015.20.35.30009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Screening of undocumented migrants or refugees for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections has been offered free of charge and free from bureaucratic procedures since 2012 at four primary-level clinical centres in Naples and Caserta, Italy. Of 926 undocumented migrants and refugees visiting one of the primary-level clinical centres from January 2012 to June 2013, 882 (95%) were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) and antibodies against HCV and HIV. Of the 882 individuals enrolled, 78 (9%) were HBsAg positive, 35 (4%) anti-HCV positive and 11 (1%) anti-HIV positive (single infections); seven (1%) had more than one infection (three were HBsAg positive). Of the 801 HBsAg-negative patients, 373 (47%) were anti-HBc positive. The HBsAg-positivity rate was high (14%; 62/444) in individuals from sub-Saharan Africa and intermediate in those from eastern Europe (6%; 12/198), northern Africa (2%; 2/80) and Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (the 'India-Pakistan area') (3%; 4/126). Anti-HCV was detected in 9/126 (7%) individuals originating from the India-Pakistan area, in 12/198 (6%) from eastern Europe, in 17/444 (4%) from sub-Saharan and in 2/80 (2%) from northern Africa. The HBV, HCV and HIV infections in the undocumented migrants and refugees screened serve as a reminder to the Italian healthcare authorities to carry out extensive screening and educational programmes for these populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Coppola
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Petersen E. Should we offer screening for hepatitis B and other infections to immigrants--legal or illegal? J Travel Med 2015; 22:73-5. [PMID: 25753020 DOI: 10.1111/jtm.12188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eskild Petersen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|