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Hepatitis A outbreak affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Italy

Maria Vittoria Mauro1, Francesca Greco1, Robert Tenuta1

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Virology, SS Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy.

The New Microbiologica
|June 4, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis A outbreaks are emerging among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Cosenza, Italy. Phylogenetic analysis revealed genotype IA strains linked to European clusters, highlighting the need for targeted vaccination programs.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis A (HA) is a significant public health concern.
  • Recent outbreaks have been observed in specific demographic groups.
  • Understanding transmission patterns is crucial for effective control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate an outbreak of Hepatitis A in Cosenza, South Italy.
  • To identify the demographic characteristics of affected individuals.
  • To determine the genetic relatedness of the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) strains involved.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of reported Hepatitis A cases from April to October 2017.
  • Demographic data collection including age, sex, and sexual orientation.
  • Phylogenetic analysis of HAV strains to determine genotypes and their origins.

Main Results:

  • 27 cases of Hepatitis A were reported, predominantly in adult males (22/27).
  • 14 out of 21 adult males were identified as men who have sex with men (MSM).
  • Phylogenetic analysis identified two distinct sequences of genotype IA, linked to European MSM clusters, and two cases of genotype IB.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis A is an emerging issue among the MSM population in Cosenza.
  • Targeted vaccination programs for high-risk groups, like MSM, are recommended.
  • Tailoring vaccination strategies based on local epidemiological data is essential to prevent wider community spread.
Keywords:
HAVMSMoutbreak

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