Higher rates of chronic hepatitis B infection and low vaccination-induced protection rates among parturients escaping HBsAg prenatal testing in Greece

Karatapanis, Stylianos; Skorda, Lamprini; Marinopoulos, Spyridon S; Papastergiou, Vasilios; Drogosi, Maria; Lisgos, Phillipos; Antsaklis, Aris

doi:10.1097/meg.0b013e328354834f

Cited by 6 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…In a study by Malamitsi-Puchner et al, published in 1996, HbsAg (+) prevalence of 13,4% was found among Albanian pregnant women [19] and Papaevangelou et al in 2006 found a prevalence of 9.8% [9]. More recent studies show a gradual decrease to 4.9-5.4% [17,18], very similar to our findings. This trend can be explained by the ever-improving hygiene conditions among Albanian families, as well as the increasing percentage of immunization in this population.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

“…Native Greek pregnant women showed a low seroprevalence of 0.5% (95% CI 0.2-1) in our study, similar to the most recent surveys by Elefsiniotis et al and Karatapanis et al, reporting 0.57% and 0.6% respectively [7,18]. The 1.7% seroprevalence in Greek pregnant women that Papaevangelou et al reported in the 2003 study probably highlights the constantly falling prevalence of HBV in the Greek population [9].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

“…The results are similar in a more recent survey by Karatapanis et al, that took place form 2007-2009, where the total HBsAg (+) prevalence is 1,2% [18].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

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A Seroprevalence Study for HBV in Pregnant Women in Greece: High Risk Migrant Groups and Opportunities for Intervention

Anagnostatou¹,

Hatzidaki²,

Galanakis³

2021

austinjinfectdis

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Background: Perinatal transmission of HBV leads to chronic infection in up to 90% of neonates. Focused prenatal screening and appropriate treatment of pregnant women and neonates is necessary for the elimination of hepatitis B, as was stated in the 2017 WHO Action Plan for HBV. Information on seroprevalence of HBV in Greece, especially in pregnant women, is scarce and rather outdated. Seroprevalence data specifically for high-risk groups, such as immigrants, is necessary for proper public health planning and elimination of vertical transmission and this study will struggle to fill the gap that exists in Greece. Methods: HBsAg status of pregnant women delivering during 2017 in Crete was studied. Seroprevalence was estimated for the whole population and each ethnic group separately. Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.38 (±6) years. Their origin was Greek (76.76 %), Albanian (10.18%), Bulgarian (3.79%), Roma population (2.44%), Russia and Former Republics of Russia (2.06%), Romanian (1.95%), Central Europe (0.70%) refugees from Syria, Morocco, Egypt (0.55%), and East Asian (0.43%). The HBsAg (+) seroprevalence was 1.5%. The seroprevalence of Greeks was 0.5%, while Albanians, Bulgarians, Romanians and Roma had 4.3%, 5.7%, 2.8%, and 11.1% respectively (p<0.001). Conclusions: Defining specific at-risk groups in each country is fundamental, since MTCT is the principal mode of transmission in high prevalence settings. Our study revealed high seroprevalence in certain migrant groups and Roma women. This information is essential for proper planning of perinatal care in Greece, especially taking into account that these underprivileged groups often lack quality health care.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

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A Seroprevalence Study for HBV in Pregnant Women in Greece: High Risk Migrant Groups and Opportunities for Intervention

Anagnostatou¹,

Hatzidaki²,

Galanakis³

2021

austinjinfectdis

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“…In the European Mediterranean countries, the overall prevalence of HBV ranges between 2.5% and 3.5% [28,29]. In contrast, North Africa is overall an area of relatively high HBV endemicity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection in Libya: results from a national population based survey

Daw

El-Bouzedi

2014

BMC Infect Dis

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BackgroundLibya is one of the largest countries in Africa and has the longest coast in the Mediterranean basin facing southern Europe. High rates of prevalence of viral hepatitis have been observed in various regions in Africa, but the prevalence in Libya is not well documented. We report on a large-scale nationwide study that evaluated the epidemiology of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Libya and assessed the risk factors involved.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in 2008 on 65,761 individuals all over Libya. The country was divided into 12 regions according to the population density and sampling within each region was carried out under the supervision of the National Centre for Prevention of Infectious Diseases. Serum samples were collected from both males and females of all ages in both urban and rural areas and tested for HBsAg for hepatitis B and anti-HCV antibody for hepatitis C. Prevalence rates were determined in regions and in different groups and correlated with different demographic and risk factors involved in the spread of these viruses.ResultsThe prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses varied regionally across the country. The overall prevalence of hepatitis B was 2.2% (95% CI 2.1%-2.3%) and was higher among males than females (1.4:1.0). Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence was 1.2% (95% CI 1.1-1.3) and it increased gradually after the age of 30 years (0.7-0.9% for < 30 years; 3.6% for ≥ 60 years). Prevalence of HBsAg was 0.8-0.9% below the age of 10 years, and higher but similar in older age groups (2.3-2.7%). There was an association between literacy and prevalence of hepatitis, particularly for HCV. Hospital admission, surgical operation, blood transfusion, and intravenous drug use were the main risk factors, and they were associated independently with a higher prevalence rate of viral hepatitis.ConclusionsLibya may be considered an area of low-intermediate endemicity for hepatitis B virus infection, with lower rates in young age groups, and an area of low endemicity for hepatitis C. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C across Libya is not homogeneous, with indications of the effect of the higher rates in some neighbouring countries. Libya should adopt full coverage national plans and guidelines to face the future consequences of viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C virus.

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“…Such variation has also been reported in other Mediterranean countries. In Italy, Greece, France and Spain, the prevalence of these viruses varies greatly from one region to another within the same country [24], [25], [26].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seroprevalence of HBV, HCV & HIV Co-Infection and Risk Factors Analysis in Tripoli-Libya

et al. 2014

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BackgroundIn 1998 Libya experienced a major outbreak of multiple blood borne viral hepatitis and HIV infections. Since then, no studies have been done on the epidemic features and risk factors of HBV, HCV, HIV and co-infection among the general population.MethodsA prospective study was carried out using a multi-centre clustering method to collect samples from the general population. The participants were interviewed, and relevant information was collected, including socio-demographic, ethnic, and geographic variables. This information was correlated with the risk factors involved in the transmission of HBV, HCV and HIV. Blood samples were collected and the sera were tested for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV using enzyme immunoassay.ResultsA total of 9,170 participants from the nine districts of Tripoli were enrolled. The average prevalence of HBsAg was 3.7%, anti-HCV 0.9%, anti-HIV 0.15% and co-infection 0.02%. The prevalence varied from one district to another. HBV was more prevalent among those aged over 50 years and was associated with family history. Anti-HCV and anti-HIV were more prevalent among those aged 20–40 years. Intravenous drug use and blood transfusion were the main risk factors for HCV and HIV infection.ConclusionHBV, HCV, HIV and co-infection are relatively common in Libya. High prevalence was associated with geographic, ethnic and socioeconomic variability within the community. HCV and HIV infections among the younger age groups are becoming an alarming issue. Regulations and health care education need to be implemented and longer term follow-up should be planned.

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Higher rates of chronic hepatitis B infection and low vaccination-induced protection rates among parturients escaping HBsAg prenatal testing in Greece

Abstract: Higher HBV disease burden and low vaccination-induced protection are characteristic in pregnant women nonadherent to HBsAg prenatal testing. More intense surveillance and implementation of immunization programs should be applied in these populations.

Cited by 6 publications

References 20 publications

A Seroprevalence Study for HBV in Pregnant Women in Greece: High Risk Migrant Groups and Opportunities for Intervention

A Seroprevalence Study for HBV in Pregnant Women in Greece: High Risk Migrant Groups and Opportunities for Intervention

Prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection in Libya: results from a national population based survey

Seroprevalence of HBV, HCV & HIV Co-Infection and Risk Factors Analysis in Tripoli-Libya

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