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Published on: December 15, 2023
Viral hepatitis and immigration: A challenge for the healthcare system
J A Cuenca-Gómez1, J Salas-Coronas2, M J Soriano-Pérez1
1Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Hospital de Poniente, El Ejido, Almería, España.
Insights
Viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B, is highly prevalent in African immigrants in Spain. This highlights the need for early diagnosis and prevention strategies within the Spanish healthcare system.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Viral hepatitis poses a significant health burden in African nations.
- Rising immigration from Africa presents challenges to the Spanish healthcare system regarding viral hepatitis.
- Understanding the seroprevalence of viral hepatitis in this population is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of serological markers for hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV), and D (HDV) in African immigrants.
- To assess the burden of active viral hepatitis infections within this demographic in Spain.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study was conducted.
- Prevalence of serological markers for HBV, HCV, and HDV was analyzed.
- Data was collected from African immigrants treated in a specialized medical office.
Main Results:
- The study included 2518 African immigrants (87.7% Sub-Saharan).
- A high prevalence of hepatitis B infection markers (78.8%) was observed, with 25.3% having active hepatitis B (HBsAg+).
- Hepatitis D virus (HDV) antibodies were detected in 19 patients, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in 68 patients, with significant viral loads in some cases.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of viral hepatitis, especially HBV, among African immigrants significantly alters the patient profile in Spain.
- Early diagnosis and transmission prevention measures are essential for managing viral hepatitis in this population.
- This underscores the need for targeted public health interventions for immigrant communities.
Background:
Viral hepatitis is a significant health problem in African countries. The increase in the immigrant population from this continent represents a challenge for the Spanish healthcare system.
Material And Methods:
A descriptive study was conducted on the prevalence of the serological markers of hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV) and D (HDV) in African immigrants treated in a specialised doctor's office.
Results:
The study included 2518 patients (87.7% Sub-Saharan natives), with a mean age of 31.3 years. Some 78.8% of the patients had a positive infection marker for HBV, and 638 patients (25.3%) were diagnosed with active hepatitis B (HBsAg +). In 19 cases, antibodies against HDV were detected (4 cases with detection of the viral genome). Sixty-eight patients had antibodies against HCV, 26 of whom had a positive viral load.
Conclusions:
The high prevalence of viral hepatitis in immigrants, especially HBV infection, represents a significant change in the profile of patients treated in Spain and requires measures aimed at early diagnosis and transmission prevention.
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