Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
13:50
Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients
Published on: June 11, 2011
12.2K
HBV and HCV testing outcomes among marginalized communities in Italy, 2019-2024: a prospective study
Monica Monti1, Teresita Caruso1,2, Alice Castellaccio3
1MASVE Interdepartmental Hepatology Center, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Center for Research and Innovation CRIA-MASVE, Firenze, Italy.
The Lancet Regional Health. Europe
|December 30, 2024
Summary
Screening marginalized communities for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) identified higher infection rates. Successful linkage to care was achieved, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to reduce health disparities and work towards HBV/HCV elimination.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and infectious diseases
- Public health and epidemiology
- Health disparities research
Background:
- Marginalized populations face significant health inequalities, impacting overall public health outcomes.
- The World Health Organization reported over 304 million people living with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) or Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in 2022.
- Targeted screening is essential to identify and manage hidden HBV/HCV infections within vulnerable groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in marginalized communities in Tuscany, Italy.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of on-site screenings and subsequent linkage to care for positive participants.
- To inform strategies for reducing HBV/HCV disparities and achieving global elimination goals.
Main Methods:
- Finger-prick blood tests were utilized for on-site HBV/HCV screenings from January 2019 to May 2024.
- Screenings were conducted at non-profit organizations, targeting marginalized populations.
- Positive participants were referred to local outpatient clinics for further management and treatment.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) positivity was found in 4.4% of participants, predominantly men and non-Italian natives.
- Anti-HCV positivity was observed in 2.9% of participants, associated with Italian nationality and lower education levels; intravenous drug use was a key risk factor.
- Successful linkage and retention in care were achieved for a significant proportion of HBV/HCV positive individuals, with high treatment success rates for viremic HCV patients.
Conclusions:
- HBV/HCV prevalence in this marginalized cohort exceeded national averages, underscoring the need for targeted screening.
- Geographical origin and socioeconomic factors were identified as significant risk factors for HBV/HCV infection.
- Effective screening and linkage-to-care programs are crucial for reducing health disparities and advancing towards the WHO's 2030 HBV/HCV elimination targets.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Biases can arise at various stages of research, from study design and data collection to analysis and interpretation. Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential to ensure the validity and reliability of epidemiological findings.Broadly speaking, biases in epidemiology fall into three main categories: selection bias, information bias, and confounding. A more detailed description of possible biases is:
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
01:25Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
01:23Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...