Differences in Incidence of Acute Viral Hepatitis Between Foreigners and Autochthonous Population in Italy

Overview

Journal Int J Environ Res Public Health

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Environmental Health
Public Health

Date 2021 Aug 7

PMID 34360239

Citations 1

Authors

Franca DAngelo

Luigina Ferrigno

Annamaria Mele

Valeria Alfonsi

Silvia Declich

Giulia De Ponte

Simonetta Crateri

Alessandra Burgio

Susanna Caminada

Maria Elena Tosti

The Seieva Collaborating Group

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: In European countries, the prevalence of HBV and HCV in refugees and migrants tends to reflect the prevalence in their countries of origin. The aim of this study is to analyse acute viral hepatitis cases diagnosed in Italy among foreign citizens and to compare incidence rates in foreigners and Italians.

Methods: We analysed the cases of each viral hepatitis type among foreigners. Standardised incidence rates were compared between natives and foreigners.

Results: Between 2004 and 2019, 15,872 cases of acute viral hepatitis were notified by 10 Italian regions, 14.8% among foreign citizens. Until 2012, the percentage increased gradually, while a fluctuating trend set in from 2013 onwards; in 2019, 23.9% of cases were foreigners. Data from the SEIEVA surveillance show higher standardised incidence rates of hepatitis A and B among foreign citizens; no significant difference emerged between Italians and foreigners in terms of their hepatitis C incidence.

Conclusions: foreign citizens have an increased incidence of hepatitis A and B. Regarding hepatitis A, vaccination is strongly recommended to foreigners travelling to their countries of origin. Screening tests for hepatitis B and C infection should be offered to newly arrived migrants from high prevalence countries, or having specific risk factors.

Citing Articles

Cancer in Migrants: A Population-Based Study in Italy.

Collatuzzo G, Ferrante M, Ippolito A, Di Prima A, Colarossi C, Scarpulla S Cancers (Basel). 2023; 15(12).

PMID: 37370713 PMC: 10295978. DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123103.

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