Prevalence Rates of Viral Hepatitis Infections in Refugee Kurds from Iraq and Turkey

Chironna, Maria; Germinario, Cinzia Annatea; Lopalco, Pietro Luigi; Carrozzini, F; Barbuti, S; Quarto, Michele

doi:10.1007/s15010-002-3100-3

Cited by 43 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 23 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Moreover, the results of a study on blood donors in industrial countries namely United States, England, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy illustrated anti-HEV sero-positivity rates of 1.2% -2.2% (20). The prevalence of hepatitis E in neighboring countries of Iran including Turkey, Kurdistan of Iraq, and Pakistan has been also reported to be respectively 3.8% (21), 14.8% (22), and 17.5% (22). The prevalence of the infection among blood donors in Saudi Arabia has been as high as 33.3% (23).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating the Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Among Blood Donors Referring to Blood Donation Centers in Birjand County in Iran

2016

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: Hepatitis E is among the most important health challenges in many countries. This study aimed at investigating the sero-prevalence of hepatitis E among blood donors in Birjand county, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was performed in 2013 -2014 on 340 blood donors who referred to blood donation centers in Birjand county, Iran, for blood donation. The participants were recruited through simple random sampling. A researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection which included items such as demographic characteristics, past medical history, history of blood transfusion, and the source of drinking water. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by an infectious disease specialist and a statistician. A five-milliliter blood sample was obtained from each donor and serological assessment was performed for detecting hepatitis E virus antibody by using the ELISA method. The data were analyzed through running logistic regression analysis using the SPSS software (version 15.0). Results: From 340 participants, 319 cases (93.8%) were male, 256 cases (75.3%) held university degrees, 13 cases (3.8%) had a history of blood transfusion, and 50 cases (14.7%) were anti-hepatitis E positive. The result of serologic test was significantly correlated with the participants' educational status, place of residence, and source of drinking water (P < 0.05). However, the correlation of the test result with the participants' gender, age, employment, and history of blood transfusion was not statistically significant. Conclusions:The prevalence of hepatitis E in the present study was higher than previous studies, denoting the higher prevalence of hepatitis E in the area. Moreover, the prevalence of hepatitis E is lower among blood donors who have higher educational status, live in urban areas, and use piped water.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating the Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Among Blood Donors Referring to Blood Donation Centers in Birjand County in Iran

2016

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Small-scale studies in specific populations have found rates of infection ranging from 0.1% to 8%. 7,[11][12][13] Currently, recommended screening practices for refugees arriving in the United States correspond to CDC recommendations for the general U.S. population (http://refugeehealthta.org/chronic-hepatitis-infection/).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Infections in United States-Bound Refugees from Asia and Africa

Mixson‐Hayden

Lee

Ganova-Raeva

et al. 2014

The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of active hepatitis B and C virus infections among refugees from various countries in Africa and Asia. Pre-admission serum samples collected during 2002-2007 from refugees originating from Bhutan (N = 755), Myanmar (N = 1076), Iraq (N = 1137), Laos (N = 593), Thailand (N = 622), and Somalia (N = 707) were tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA. The HBV DNA (genotypes A, B, C, and G) was detected in 12.1% of samples negative for anti-HBs. Highest HBV prevalence was found among Hmong; lowest among Bhutanese. The HCV RNA (genotypes 1a, 1b, 1c, 3b, 6n, and 6m) was detected in 1.3% of the samples. Highest HCV prevalence was found among Hmong from Thailand; lowest among Iraqis. Screening specific refugee groups at high risk for viral hepatitis infections will identify infected individuals who could benefit from referral to care and treatment and prevent further transmissions.

show abstract

“…Precise information on the prevalence of certain infectious diseases in currently turbulent regions of the world is not always available. The paper of Chironna et al in this issue of IN-FECTION improves our knowledge about the prevalence of viral hepatitis in refugee Kurds from Iraq and Turkey [1]. This paper is very timely.…”

Section: Ruefmentioning

confidence: 85%

Infections in Refugees

Ruef¹

2003

Infection

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Prevalence Rates of Viral Hepatitis Infections in Refugee Kurds from Iraq and Turkey

Abstract: This survey shows a high prevalence of enterically transmitted viral hepatitis in Kurds. HBV infection is moderately endemic, while the prevalence of HCV infection is low. There is a need for a universal immunization strategy for HBV in the Kurd population.

Cited by 43 publications

References 23 publications

Investigating the Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Among Blood Donors Referring to Blood Donation Centers in Birjand County in Iran

Investigating the Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Among Blood Donors Referring to Blood Donation Centers in Birjand County in Iran

Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Infections in United States-Bound Refugees from Asia and Africa

Infections in Refugees

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About