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Incidence and types of acute viral hepatitis in Newcastle upon Tyne
H S Hosker1, D C Lindsay, F Game
1Gastroenterology Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Insights
Viral hepatitis incidence in Newcastle upon Tyne is significantly underestimated by official figures. Serological analysis revealed a higher detection rate, particularly for hepatitis B, indicating a need for improved public health surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Viral hepatitis remains a significant public health concern globally.
- Accurate incidence data is crucial for effective disease control and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the true incidence and types of viral hepatitis in Newcastle upon Tyne.
- To compare laboratory-detected rates with official notification rates.
Main Methods:
- Serological analysis of blood samples submitted to virology and biochemistry laboratories.
- Inclusion of samples from routine hepatitis testing and liver function tests.
Main Results:
- Annual detection rate of acute viral hepatitis was 31.5 cases/100,000 population.
- Hepatitis B accounted for 9.1 cases/100,000 population.
- Incidence is at least four-fold higher than notification rates.
Conclusions:
- Official notification rates significantly underestimate viral hepatitis incidence.
- Improved diagnostic practices and contact tracing are needed for comprehensive surveillance.
Abstract:
The incidence and types of viral hepatitis in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne have been studied by serological analysis of (a) all blood samples sent to the virological laboratory for hepatitis testing and (b) all blood samples sent by general practitioners to the biochemical laboratory for liver function testing. The annual detection rate of acute viral hepatitis was found to be 31.5 cases/100,000 population, of which 9.1 were hepatitis B. Only three sporadic cases of non-A non-B hepatitis were identified. The incidence of hepatitis is at least four-fold greater than suggested by notification rates and may be substantially higher as general practitioners rarely requested laboratory confirmation of household contacts of index cases.