HBV, HCV and HDV infections in Albanian refugees in Southern Italy (Apulia region)

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Abstract
The seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C and D markers was assessed in a sample of 670 Albanian refugees in Southern Italy in 1997. The mean age was 25 years (S.D. = 12·3). Of study subjects 62·1% (95% CI: 58·4–65·7) were positive for anti-HBc antibodies and 13·6% (95% CI: 10·9–16·1) for HBsAg. The prevalence of anti-HBs was 47·6% (95% CI: 43·8–51·3). Among HBsAg carriers the prevalence of HBeAg was 7·7% (95% CI: 2·2–13·1). The highest carrier rate for HBsAg (25·5%; 95% CI: 16·7–34·3) was found in the age group 21–25 years. A relevant finding was a prevalence of HBsAg of 8·1% in children 10 years and under. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 0·3% (95% CI: 0·0–0·7) while only one of the HBsAg carriers was positive for anti-HDV (1·1%, 95% CI: 0–3·2). In Albania, hepatitis B infection represents a public health priority that should be addressed by a universal vaccination campaign.

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