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

Author

Listed:
  • Franca D’Angelo

    (National Center for Global Health, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Luigina Ferrigno

    (National Center for Global Health, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Annamaria Mele

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University “La Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Valeria Alfonsi

    (Health Management, Sant’Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy)

  • Silvia Declich

    (National Center for Global Health, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Giulia De Ponte

    (National Center for Global Health, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Simonetta Crateri

    (National Center for Global Health, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Alessandra Burgio

    (Health Unit, National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), 00184 Rome, Italy)

  • Susanna Caminada

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University “La Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Maria Elena Tosti

    (National Center for Global Health, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • on behalf of The SEIEVA Collaborating Group

    (The list of members of the SEIEVA Collaborating Group is shown in Acknowledgments.)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Franca D’Angelo & Luigina Ferrigno & Annamaria Mele & Valeria Alfonsi & Silvia Declich & Giulia De Ponte & Simonetta Crateri & Alessandra Burgio & Susanna Caminada & Maria Elena Tosti & on behalf of T, 2021. "Differences in Incidence of Acute Viral Hepatitis between Foreigners and Autochthonous Population in Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:15:p:7944-:d:602665
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