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Hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections in dermatological patients in west Sicily: a seroepidemiological study
M R Bongiorno1, G Pistone, G Aricò
1Department of Dermatology, University of Palermo, Italy. ISTDERM@unipa.it
Insights
This study found a high prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) exposure in dermatological patients. Age appears to be a significant factor, rather than a direct link to skin conditions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Viral hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) are significant global health concerns.
- Understanding the prevalence of these infections in specific patient populations is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of HBV and HCV infections among dermatological patients.
- To investigate potential associations between viral hepatitis and dermatological conditions.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 677 dermatological patients in Palermo was studied.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to detect HBV and HCV antibodies and antigens (HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, anti-HBe, anti-HCV).
Main Results:
- 27.91% of patients showed evidence of past or current HBV or HCV exposure.
- 2.36% tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies, and 0.88% were chronic carriers of HBsAg.
- Prevalence peaked in the 55-80 age groups, suggesting an age-related trend.
Conclusions:
- A high rate of HBV and HCV exposure exists in dermatological patients.
- The prevalence is likely age-related rather than directly associated with dermatological diseases.
- Further large-scale epidemiological studies are needed to explore potential etiological roles of HBV and HCV in specific skin diseases.
Objectives:
To evaluate the relative frequencies and molecular epidemiological features of viral hepatitis types B and C in dermatological patients in our geographical area.
Methods:
We determined the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies and the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) in a cohort of 677 dermatological patients admitted to the Department of Dermatology of Palermo. An 8-mL blood sample was taken from all subjects. The following assays were used: HBsAg, anti-HB core (antigen) (anti-HBc), anti-HB surface (antigen) (anti-HBs), anti-HB early (antigen) (anti-Hbe) and anti-HCV antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results:
One hundred and eighty-nine (27.91%) of the 677 dermatological patients were positive for anti-HBc, anti-HBs, anti-HBe and/or anti-HCV antibodies. In particular 22% (149 patients) were anti-HBc, anti-HBs or anti-HBe positive, reflecting exposure to HBV, and six patients (0.88%) were chronic carriers of HBsAg; 2.36% of the dermatological patients (16 persons) were anti-HCV positive. Tests showed that 24 subjects (3.52%) were infected with hepatitis B or C. The peaks in the age bands were in the 55-80-year-old age groups.
Conclusions:
This study confirms a high rate of HBV and HCV exposure with chronic carriers in our dermatological patients. We assume that the high prevalence of HCV and HBV in dermatological patients is more likely to be age related than to represent a true and direct association with dermatological diseases in general. Definite conclusions will only be available after large epidemiological studies that can establish or refute an aetiological and pathogenetic role of HBV and HCV in certain skin diseases associated with liver infection.
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