Patterns of chronic hepatitis B in Central Italy: a cross-sectional study

Eur J Public Health. 2010 Dec;20(6):711-3. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckp168. Epub 2009 Nov 2.

Abstract

We investigated the patterns of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related disease in a large cohort of HBsAg-positive patients, in Central Italy, by collecting a screening form with demographic, clinical and laboratory data. Overall, 737 HBsAg-positive cases were included (70% male; median age 52 years): 30% were inactive HBsAg carriers, 51% had chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 19% had HBV-related cirrhosis. Patients from non-European Union (EU) countries (n = 65) were significantly younger, had a higher prevalence of HBeAg-positive infection and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) co-infection than patients of Italian origin. Therefore, as immigration from non-EU countries continues to grow, we can expect a change in the landscape of HBV-related disease in our area.

MeSH terms

  • Carrier State / epidemiology
  • Comorbidity
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / ethnology
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / prevention & control
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis D / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence