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Decrease in HDV endemicity in Italy.

E Sagnelli·T Stroffolini·A Ascione·M Chiaramonte·A Craxì·G Giusti·F Piccinino
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Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate a possible variation in hepatitis D virus endemicity in Italy, the data from a multicentre study concerning HBsAg chronic carriers first observed in 31 liver units during 1992 were compared with the corresponding figures from a similar study performed in 1987. METHODS/RESULTS: In both studies the methodology for the recruitment of cases was the same. The overall anti-HD prevalence in 1992 was 14.4%, a significantly lower rate than that observed in 1987 (23.4%, p < 0.01). The decrease significantly (p < 0.01) affected both males and females; it occurred in all geographical areas, although to a greater extent in northern regions. It was evident in subjects below 50 years of age, but not in subjects older than 50. A significant reduction in the anti-HD prevalence was seen in all forms of chronic hepatitis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate a lower level of hepatitis D virus endemicity in Italy, probably as a consequence of the reported decreased pool of HBsAg chronic carriers, the reduced size of families, the improved socio-economic conditions and changes in intravenous drug abuser behaviour. All these factors may have affected the strength of hepatitis D virus infection which has greatly reduced the spread of the virus.

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AdolescentAdultCarrier StateChildChild, PreschoolClinical Laboratory TechniquesEndemic DiseasesFemaleHepatitis B Surface AntigensHepatitis DHumansInfantInfant, NewbornItalyMaleMiddle AgedPrevalenceRisk FactorsClinical TrialControlled Clinical TrialJournal ArticleMulticenter StudyResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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E Sagnelli, T Stroffolini, A Ascione, M Chiaramonte, A Craxì, G Giusti, F Piccinino. 1997. Decrease in HDV endemicity in Italy.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0168-8278(97)80004-9

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