HBV, HCV and HDV infections in Albanian refugees in Southern Italy (Apulia region)

The seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C and D markers was assessed in a sample of 670 Albanian refugees in Southern Italy in 1997. The mean age was 25 years (S.D. = 12.3). Of study subjects 62.1% (95 % CI: 58.4-65.7) were positive for anti-HBc antibodies and 13.6% (95% CI: 10.9-16.1) for HBsAg. The prevalence of anti-HBs was 47.6 % (95% CI: 43.8-51.3). Among HBsAg carriers the prevalence of HBeAg was 7.7 % (95% CI: 2.2-13.1). The highest carrier rate for HBsAg (25.5%; 95% CI: 16.7-34.3) was found in the age group 21-25 years. A relevant finding was a prevalence of HBsAg of 8.1% in children 10 years and under. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 0.3 % (95% CI: 0.0-0.7) while only one of the HBsAg carriers was positive for anti-HDV (1.1 %, 95 % CI: 0-3.2). In Albania., hepatitis B infection represents a public health priority that should be addressed by a universal vaccination campaign.