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

Franca D’Angelo, Luigina Ferrigno, Annamaria Mele, Valeria Alfonsi, Silvia Declich, Giulia De Ponte, Simonetta Crateri, Alessandra Burgio, Susanna Caminada, Maria Elena Tosti and on behalf of The SEIEVA Collaborating Group
Additional contact information
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.

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-13

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.

Keywords: acute viral hepatitis; incidence; foreign citizens; Italy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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