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Hernàndez-Èvole H, Briz-Redón Á, Berenguer M. Changing delta hepatitis patient profile: A single center experience in Valencia region, Spain. World J Hepatol 2020; 12:277-287. [PMID: 32742570 PMCID: PMC7364323 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v12.i6.277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delta hepatitis is a rare infection with an aggressive disease course. For almost three decades, however, there have been no epidemiological studies in our traditionally endemic area.
AIM To investigate the prevalence of delta hepatitis in a sample of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection followed at a Hepatology Unit in Valencia, Spain.
METHODS Retrospective evaluation of anti-hepatitis D virus-immunoglobulin G seroprevalence among patients with chronic HBV infection (n = 605) followed at a reference Hepatology Unit in Spain.
RESULTS The prevalence of anti-hepatitis D virus-immunoglobulin G among HBV-infected patients was 11.5%: Male (63%) and median age of 52 years. The majority were born in Spain (67%) and primarily infected through intravenous drug use. However, a significant percent (24.5%), particularly those diagnosed in more recent years, were migrants presumably nosocomially infected. Comorbidities such as diabetes (8.5%), obesity/overweight (55%), and alcohol consumption (34%) were frequent. A high proportion of patients developed liver complications such as cirrhosis (77%), liver decompensation (81%), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (16.5%), or required liver transplantation (LT) (59.5%). Diabetes was associated with progression to cirrhosis, LT, and death. Male sex, increasing age, and alcohol were associated with LT and HCC. Compared to HBV mono-infected patients, delta individuals developed cirrhosis and liver decompensation more frequently, with no differences in HCC rates.
CONCLUSION Patients infected in the 1980’s were mostly locals infected through intravenous drug use, whereas those diagnosed recently are frequently non-Spanish natives from endemic areas. Regardless of their origin, patients are predominantly male with significant comorbidities, which potentially play a major role in disease progression. We confirm a high rate of subsequent liver complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marina Berenguer
- Departament de Medicina, University of València, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Liver Transplantation and Hepatology Unit, Hospital Universitari I Politècnic La Fe, Valencia 46026, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
- ISS La Fe, Valencia 46026, Spain
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Tierney AR, Huepfel W, Shaukat AP, Lake JR, Boldt M, Wang Q, Hassan MA. Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C Infection in a Large Immigrant Community. J Immigr Minor Health 2019; 21:549-554. [PMID: 29802526 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-018-0758-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C treatment has rapidly evolved with the arrival of direct-acting antiviral therapy. Sustained virologic response (SVR) rates in clinical trials are high but it is unknown how this translates to the immigrant community. Data from December 2013 to September 2015 was collected from a Midwest academic and community practice with a large immigrant population. There were 802 patients with an overall SVR rate of 88%. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir was associated with favorable response among genotype 1 and 4 patients compared to other regimens (p < 0.001 and p = 0.05). Factors associated with treatment failure included advanced liver disease, male gender, East African/Middle Eastern ethnicity, and non-compliance. Patients with genotype 4 had lower SVR rates than other genotypes (58% vs. 89%, p < 0.001), particularly among East Africans (40% vs. 82% for other ethnicities). Our SVR rate for genotype 4 infection is lower than clinical trials and may be related to cultural, biologic and socioeconomic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber R Tierney
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 36, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - William Huepfel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 36, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Aasma P Shaukat
- Division of Gastroenterology, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - John R Lake
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 36, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Mark Boldt
- Minnesota Gastroenterology, P.A., 2550 University Avenue W, St. Paul, MN, 55144, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 36, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Mohamed A Hassan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 36, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
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Alonso López S, Agudo Fernández S, García Del Val A, Martínez Abad M, López Hermosa Seseña P, Izquierdo MJ, Núñez I, Berbel León S, Visedo Campillo L, Guisado Pérez C, Sánchez Lozano S, Mariño Pfeiffer I, García Bermúdez L, Sánchez Jiménez FJ, López Vega E, Zambrano Álvarez J, Castro Pastor ML, Montes Ramírez G, Murillo C, Villafranca Ortega N, Ayuso Hernández I, Espejo M, Lasala López P, Rodríguez Caravaca G, Carrascosa Aguilar B, Gutiérrez García ML, Fernández Rodríguez C. Hepatitis C seroprevalence in an at-risk population in the southwest Madrid region of Spain. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2016; 39:656-662. [PMID: 27417563 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The estimated seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Spain is 1.7%, but is much higher in the at-risk population. The most efficient national screening strategy is unclear. AIMS To estimate the prevalence of HCV among the at-risk population seen in primary care (PC), and to determine their epidemiological profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cross-sectional descriptive prevalence study that included adult patients with risk factors for HCV infection seen in PC in the southwest Madrid region between 2010 and 2012. RESULTS A total of 158 patients (men=51.3%), mean age 46 years (SD=16.6), were included. The most common risk factors were hypertransaminasaemia (44.3%) and major surgery (13.3%). Immigration, unsafe sexual practices, and tattoos or body piercing were more prevalent in patients younger than 45 years of age. Fifteen patients (9.5%) were positive for anti-HCV; 9 of these (5.7%) were HCV-ARN positive. Of the positive patients, 4 (44.4%) had significant fibrosis at diagnosis (F3-F4). Male patients had a higher rate of positive anti-HCV results (13.8 vs. 5.3%; P=.072), as did patients older than 45 years of age (12.8 vs. 6.3%; P=.167). Intravenous and intranasal drug use were associated with a higher rate of positive anti-HCV results (50 vs. 8.5%; P=.005 and 66.7 vs. 8.4%; P=.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Patients with risk factors for HCV infection have high seroprevalence. Screening programmes must therefore be implemented to detect HCV infection in this population in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra Agudo Fernández
- Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Madrid, España; Unidad de Digestivo, Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Madrid, España
| | | | | | | | | | - Isabel Núñez
- Centro de Salud Ramón y Cajal, Dirección Asistencial Oeste, Madrid, España
| | - Susana Berbel León
- Centro de Salud Gregorio Marañón, Dirección Asistencial Oeste, Madrid, España
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Elena López Vega
- Centro de Salud Ramón y Cajal, Dirección Asistencial Oeste, Madrid, España
| | | | | | | | - Cristina Murillo
- Centro de Salud Miguel Servet, Dirección Asistencial Oeste, Madrid, España
| | | | | | - María Espejo
- Centro de Salud Los Castillos, Dirección Asistencial Oeste, Madrid, España
| | - Pilar Lasala López
- Centro de Salud Gregorio Marañón, Dirección Asistencial Oeste, Madrid, España
| | - Gil Rodríguez Caravaca
- Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Madrid, España; Servicio de Medicina Preventiva, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Facultad Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, España
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Viral hepatitis and immigration: A challenge for the healthcare system. Rev Clin Esp 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Cuenca-Gómez JA, Salas-Coronas J, Soriano-Pérez MJ, Vázquez-Villegas J, Lozano-Serrano AB, Cabezas-Fernández MT. Viral hepatitis and immigration: A challenge for the healthcare system. Rev Clin Esp 2016; 216:248-52. [PMID: 26995326 DOI: 10.1016/j.rce.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral hepatitis is a significant health problem in African countries. The increase in the immigrant population from this continent represents a challenge for the Spanish healthcare system. MATERIAL AND METHODS A descriptive study was conducted on the prevalence of the serological markers of hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV) and D (HDV) in African immigrants treated in a specialised doctor's office. RESULTS The study included 2518 patients (87.7% Sub-Saharan natives), with a mean age of 31.3 years. Some 78.8% of the patients had a positive infection marker for HBV, and 638 patients (25.3%) were diagnosed with active hepatitis B (HBsAg +). In 19 cases, antibodies against HDV were detected (4 cases with detection of the viral genome). Sixty-eight patients had antibodies against HCV, 26 of whom had a positive viral load. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of viral hepatitis in immigrants, especially HBV infection, represents a significant change in the profile of patients treated in Spain and requires measures aimed at early diagnosis and transmission prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Cuenca-Gómez
- Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Hospital de Poniente, El Ejido, Almería, España.
| | - J Salas-Coronas
- Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Hospital de Poniente, El Ejido, Almería, España; CEMyRI (Centro de Estudio de las Migraciones y Relaciones Interculturales), Universidad de Almería, Almería, España
| | - M J Soriano-Pérez
- Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Hospital de Poniente, El Ejido, Almería, España
| | | | - A B Lozano-Serrano
- Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Hospital de Poniente, El Ejido, Almería, España
| | - M T Cabezas-Fernández
- Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Hospital de Poniente, El Ejido, Almería, España; CEMyRI (Centro de Estudio de las Migraciones y Relaciones Interculturales), Universidad de Almería, Almería, España
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Greenaway C, Thu Ma A, Kloda LA, Klein M, Cnossen S, Schwarzer G, Shrier I. The Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Antibodies in Immigrants and Refugees from Intermediate and High Endemic Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141715. [PMID: 26558905 PMCID: PMC4641717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health issue that leads to 350,000 preventable deaths annually due to associated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Immigrants and refugees (migrants) originating from intermediate/high HCV endemic countries are likely at increased risk for HCV infection due to HCV exposure in their countries of origin. The aim of this study was to estimate the HCV seroprevalence of the migrant population living in low HCV prevalence countries. METHODS Four electronic databases were searched from database inception until June 17, 2014 for studies reporting the prevalence of HCV antibodies among migrants. Seroprevalence estimates were pooled with a random-effect model and were stratified by age group, region of origin and migration status and a meta-regression was modeled to explore heterogeneity. RESULTS Data from 50 studies representing 38,635 migrants from all world regions were included. The overall anti-HCV prevalence (representing previous and current infections) was 1.9% (95% CI, 1.4-2.7%, I2 96.1). Older age and region of origin, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe were the strongest predictors of HCV seroprevalence. The estimated HCV seroprevalence of migrants from these regions was >2% and is higher than that reported for most host populations. CONCLUSION Adult migrants originating from Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe are at increased risk for HCV and may benefit from targeted HCV screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Greenaway
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Research Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ann Thu Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Marina Klein
- Division of Infectious Diseases, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sonya Cnossen
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Research Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Guido Schwarzer
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Medical Centre - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ian Shrier
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Research Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Mateos-Lindemann ML, Gonzalez-Galdámez A, Bordallo-Cardona M, Pérez-Gracia MT. Are HIV-infected patients a high-risk population for hepatitis E virus infection in Spain? Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2012; 30:582-3. [PMID: 22591605 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2012.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 03/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Pérez-Molina JA, Herrero-Martínez JM, Norman F, Pérez-Ayala A, Monge-Mahillo B, Navarro-Beltrá M, López-Vélez R. Clinical, epidemiological characteristics and indications for liver biopsy and treatment in immigrants with chronic hepatitis B at a referral hospital in Madrid. J Viral Hepat 2011; 18:294-9. [PMID: 20367791 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2010.01306.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The increase in immigration from less developed countries to Europe has led to an increase in the incidence of hepatitis B infection. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical, epidemiological characteristics and indications for treatment of chronic hepatitis B in a cohort of immigrants, given the relative lack of current evidence. We performed a noninterventional retrospective chart review; different characteristics depending on geographical origin were compared. A case-control study was also performed to describe factors potentially associated with chronic or past hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We selected a random sample of 436 patients out of the 2989 immigrants attending during the study period (1989-2008). Hepatitis B serology was performed in 74% (322/436): 10.6% had chronic HBV infection (95% CI: 7.4-13.7%), and 46.9% had evidence of past infection (95% CI: 41.7-52.0%). The average age was 31 years, 60% were men, and 70% were sub-Saharan Africans. Chronic infection was related to being men (OR 2.03; 95%CI: 1.29-3.18), younger (OR 0.98; 0.96-0.99) and sub-Saharan African (OR 5.41; 2.71-10.83). Past or current infection was related to male sex (OR 2.80; 1.81-4.30), longer time elapsed until first seen at the unit (OR 0.998; 0.997-1.000), HIV infection (OR 4.99; 1.15-21.60) and being sub-Saharan African (OR 15.46; 8.97-27.18). These associations were not confirmed after adjustment for geographical origin. In 27% and 29.5% of patients, liver biopsy and treatment, respectively, would have been indicated. Prevalence of chronic HBV infection amongst immigrants is high, especially in sub-Saharan Africans. Almost a third could be considered for liver biopsy or antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Pérez-Molina
- Tropical Medicine and Clinical Parasitology Unit, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
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Salas J, Vázquez J, Cabezas T, Lozano AB, Cabeza I. [Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Sub-Saharan immigrants in Almería (Spain)]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2011; 29:121-3. [PMID: 21330010 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2010.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2009] [Revised: 05/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is scant information available in Spain regarding virological markers and clinical status in Sub-Saharan patients infected with HVB. METHODS A cross-sectional and retrospective study of virological markers and clinical status of HBV infection in 510 adult patients from Sub-Saharan Africa, not co-infected with HIV, most of them from West Africa countries. RESULTS A total of 90.8% of patients had markers of HBV infection and 137 (26.9%) were HBsAg positive. Among patients with HBsAg positive, 55.9% were chronic inactive carriers. The predominant genotype was E. CONCLUSIONS The study shows a high prevalence of both markers of HBV infection and of chronic hepatitis B in immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Salas
- Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Hospital de Poniente, El Ejido, Almería, España.
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10
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[Indication of determination of antibodies against hepatitis C and A viruses in the protocol for the care of young immigrants]. GACETA SANITARIA 2010; 24:288-92. [PMID: 20053479 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2009.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2009] [Revised: 10/05/2009] [Accepted: 10/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate systematic determination of antibodies against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) within the protocols for the care of young immigrants (PCYI). METHODS We performed a descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study. Antibodies against HCV and HAV were determined in children aged from 6 months to 15 years from low-income countries who had immigrated to Spain less than 12 months previously. Age, sex and country of origin were registered. The cost of vaccinating all immigrant children (with the HA vaccine and HA-HB vaccine, public health price and retail price) without screening was compared with that of vaccinating non-immune children only. RESULTS HCV antibodies were determined in 1055 children and only one was positive [0.09% (95% CI: 0-0.53%)]. HAV antibodies were determined in 992 children and, overall, 38% were positive (95% CI: 35.0-41.1). Distribution by country of origin was as follows: Central and South America (n=352) 34.9%, Maghreb (n=246) 44.7%, and India, Pakistan and Bangladesh (n=162) 58.6%. According to the children's age, country of origin, and the price of the vaccine used, HAV antibody determination in young immigrants before HAV vaccination is efficient. CONCLUSIONS Because of the low prevalence of HCV antibodies in the pediatric immigrant population, systematic determination is not warranted. Evaluating HAV antibodies in each immigrant child could increase the efficiency of PCYI.
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Valerio L, Barro S, Pérez B, Roca C, Fernández J, Solsona L, Aguilar A, Escribà J. Seroprevalencia de marcadores de hepatitis crónica vírica en 791 inmigrantes recientes en Cataluña, España. Recomendaciones de cribado y de vacunación contra la hepatitis B. Rev Clin Esp 2008; 208:426-31. [DOI: 10.1157/13127602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Esteban JI, Sauleda S, Quer J. The changing epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in Europe. J Hepatol 2008; 48:148-62. [PMID: 18022726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2007.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2007] [Accepted: 07/30/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The epidemic of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Europe is continuously evolving and epidemiological parameters (prevalence, incidence, disease transmission patterns and genotype distribution) have changed substantially during the last 15 years. Four main factors contribute to such changes: increased blood transfusion safety, improvement of healthcare conditions, continuous expansion of intravenous drug use and immigration to Europe from endemic areas. As a result, intravenous drug use has become the main risk factor for HCV transmission, prevalent infections have increased and genotype distribution has changed and diversified. Hence, prevalence data from studies conducted a decade ago may not be useful to estimate the current and future burden of HCV infection and additional epidemiological studies should be conducted, as well as new preventive strategies implemented to control the silent epidemic. This review summarizes recently published data on the epidemiology of HCV infection in Europe focusing on the factors currently shaping the epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan I Esteban
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
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Abstract
Spain has a medium endemicity of hepatitic C infection among central Europe countries and Italy. Prevalence of anti-HCV varies among regions and it ranges from 1.6 to 2.6%, which means that there may be between 480,000 and 760,000 people infected with hepatitis C virus in Spain. The prevalence is very low in people under 20 years of age and it increases from age 30 years. Prisoners and drug addicts have the highest infectious rates, between 40 and 98%. Some populations of immigrants also have a high prevalence of HCV infection, especially people from Asia and sub-Saharan countries, whereas people from Latin America have rates lower than those in the autochtones population. Spanish people with chronic hepatitis C were mainly infected via blood transfusions, IV drug use, or during some medical and surgical hospitalization. The reduction in the use of IV drugs and the programs of needle sharing, as well as the eradication of post-transfusional hepatitis, have led to a progressive reduction in the incidence of new infections (from 6.8 per 100,000 in-habitants in 1997 to 2.3 in 2003). Preliminary data suggest that an important rate of new hepatitis C cases owe to nosocomial transmission. Transmission is almost exclusively vertical in children. In spite of a two-third reduction of incident cases of hepatitis C in Spain in last few years, it is foreseeable that the number of patients with advanced HCV liver disease attended in the health-care system will increase in forthcoming years. This is due to the fact that many, still undiagnosed patients will be likely recognized for the first time as a result of some complication of the disease. All efforts to increase the screening of hidden cases of hepatitis C in primary health-care centers, allowing a prompt treatment before an advanced stage, will have a beneficial impact both in economic and social terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Bruguera
- Servicio de Hepatología, Institut de Malalties Digestives i Metabòliques, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, España.
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Ramos JM, Pastor C, Masía MM, Cascales E, Royo G, Gutiérrez-Rodero F. [Health in the immigrant population: prevalence of latent tuberculosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis infection]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2004; 21:540-2. [PMID: 14642251 DOI: 10.1016/s0213-005x(03)73006-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To describe the prevalence of infectious diseases in immigrants. METHODS The Mantoux tuberculin skin test and serology testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis were performed in 488 immigrants. RESULTS A positive reaction to the Mantoux (> or = 10 mm) was found in 19.1% of individuals from Africa, 9.6% from Eastern Europe and 5.8% from South America (p < 0.001). With regard to hepatitis B, 2.5% of the Africans, 2.1% of the Eastern Europeans and none of the South Americans were carriers of the virus (p 5 0.02). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of infectious diseases in immigrants varies according to their country of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Ramos
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas. Servicio de Medicina Interna. Hospital General Universitario de Elche. Alicante. Spain.
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Fisker N, Georgsen J, Stolborg T, Khalil MR, Christensen PB. Low hepatitis B prevalence among pre-school children in Denmark: saliva anti-HBc screening in day care centres. J Med Virol 2002; 68:500-4. [PMID: 12376957 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.10242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Although Denmark has a low hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence, HBV transmission has been reported in Danish day-care centres. The aim of this study was to validate saliva anti-HBc testing as a method for HBV screening, the applicability of saliva sampling to pre-school children, and to determine the HBV prevalence in Danish day-care centres with a high proportion of immigrants. For validation, paired saliva and plasma samples were obtained from blood donors and injecting drug users. Employees and children in day-care centres with a high proportion of immigrant children were offered saliva screening followed by blood test if positive. The specificity and sensitivity of anti-HBc tests on saliva was 100% (102 blood donors and four injecting drug users) and 85.9% (61 of 71 anti-HBc-positive injecting drug users), respectively. In all samples from HBsAg (n = 7) or anti-HBc IgM-positives (n = 9), anti-HBc was detected in saliva. Adequate saliva samples were obtained from 93% (588/634) of children and 100% (166/166) of employees participating in the day-care centre survey. Among children 55% were of non-Scandinavian origin and only one (0.2%, 95% CI [0.0; 1.0]) was HBV positive. Among employees the corresponding values were 22% and 7 (4.2%). The positive predictive value of the saliva test was 25% (1/4) among children and 88% (7/8) among adults. In conclusion, saliva testing is feasible for HBV screening among children in low prevalence populations, but any anti-HBc reactivity should be confirmed by plasma analysis. The HBV prevalence in pre-school children in Denmark is low even among immigrants from endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Fisker
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
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