Viral hepatitis in Denmark

Abstract

Viral Hepatitis Journal, pub lis hed by Ga le nos Pub lis hing. DenmarkDenmark is a Scandinavian country with 5.6 million inhabitants (Figure 1). In total, 4.996.980 persons of the population are of Danish descent. Immigrants and their descendants constitute 567.932 persons. The life expectancy for women is 81.6 years and for men, 77.3 years.The basic principle of the Danish welfare system is that all citizens, free of charge, have equal rights and access to social security and health care. The Danish welfare model is subsidized by the state, and as a result, Denmark has one of the highest taxation levels in the world. Epidemiology of Viral HepatitisHepatitis A In Denmark, anti-HAV IgM positive hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a mandatory notifiable disease. HAV infection is not regarded as endemic in Denmark and susceptibility in the Danish population is high. The incidence declined during the last decades from 5.5 per 100.000 in 1980 to 0.2 per 100.000 in 2011, attributable to improved sanitary and living conditions ( ABSTRACT ÖZETTo provide an overview of the epidemiology and public health strategies concerning viral hepatitis in Denmark. Studies and guidelines in viral hepatitis in Denmark and national surveillance data were reviewed. The incidence of acute hepatitis A has declined since 1980 and was 0.2/105 in 2011. The majority of cases are imported by children of foreign origin. The incidence of acute hepatitis B has also been declining; the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B is estimated to be 0.24% of the adult population and genotype D is the most prevalent. The majority of patients with chronic hepatitis B are immigrants from high incidence regions and co-infection with hepatitis D is rare. The prevalence of hepatitis C is 0.38% of the adult population and the majority has been infected through 4 drug use. Genotype 1 is the most prevalent genotype. Hepatitis E is a rare and imported condition but a high prevalence of anti-HEV among farmers indicates the infection is an asymptomatic zoonotic infection in Denmark. There are national treatment guidelines for hepatitis B and C and the treatment is provided free of charge to all Danish residents. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended to persons travelling to high incidence countries and persons with chronic hepatitis C. Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended and free of charge to all newborns of HBsAg positive mothers and persons specifically assessed to be at an increased risk. Denmark is a low incidence country for viral hepatitis, but continuous attention is required within risk groups. (

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“…In Australia, genotype 1 accounts for 50-55% of HCV cases and genotype 3 accounts for 35-40% (31,32). The Denmark population are prevalent with genotypes 1a (43%), 3a (39%), and 1b (11%) (33). In Taiwan, the most common genotypes of HCV are 1b, 2a, and 2b.…”

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“…In Australia, genotype 1 accounts for 50-55% of HCV cases and genotype 3 accounts for 35-40% (31,32). The Denmark population are prevalent with genotypes 1a (43%), 3a (39%), and 1b (11%) (33). In Taiwan, the most common genotypes of HCV are 1b, 2a, and 2b.…”