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Hepatitis A and E in the Mediterranean: A systematic review
Ioanna P Chatziprodromidou1, Maria-Eleni Dimitrakopoulou1, Thomas Apostolou2
1Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Panepistimiopolis, 26500, Greece.
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
|March 1, 2022
Summary
Hepatitis A (HAV) and Hepatitis E (HEV) outbreaks are rising in Mediterranean countries, often linked to contaminated food or water, particularly in refugee camps. Public health officials must prioritize control strategies to prevent future epidemics.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis A (HAV) and Hepatitis E (HEV) are significant global public health concerns.
- While prevalent in developing nations, HAV and HEV cases are increasing in developed countries.
- Mediterranean countries are experiencing a rise in HAV and HEV infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the epidemiological profiles of HAV and HEV outbreaks in Mediterranean countries.
- To analyze trends, transmission modes, and risk factors associated with HAV and HEV in the region.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched Scopus, PubMed, and Springerlink databases for articles published between 2010 and 2020.
- Extracted data from 101 articles on outbreaks, transmission, patient demographics, symptoms, and diagnostics.
Main Results:
- An increase in HAV and HEV occurrence was observed in Mediterranean countries.
- The primary transmission vehicles identified were contaminated food or water.
- Refugee camps were frequently identified as transmission points for these viral hepatitis outbreaks.
Conclusions:
- Public health authorities need to address the growing prevalence of HAV and HEV in the Mediterranean.
- Implementing robust control strategies is crucial to prevent future outbreaks and mitigate public health challenges.
- Targeted interventions may be necessary for high-risk settings like refugee camps.
