BACKGROUND: In a 1996 survey, prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti-HCV) in a southern Italian town was 12.6%. AIMS: To identify changes in the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS: Anti-HCV, HCV-RNA (PCR, detection limit 15 IU/mL), HCV genotype (Innolipa). Were performed in a random 1:4 systematic sample of the general population. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate factors independently associated with the likelihood of anti-HCV positivity. RESULTS: Of 1012 subjects, 58 (5.7%) were anti-HCV-positive, compared to 12.6% 14 years earlier. Prevalence was 0.4% in individuals <30 years old and 31.8% in those ≥ 70 years old. Among 139 HCV-negative in 1996 re-sampled in 2010, only one had seroconverted (incidence: 0.05 × 100 persons/year). Alanine transaminase levels were elevated in 8 (13.8%). HCV-RNA was detected by PCR in 46.5% anti-HCV-positive subjects. In 2010 59% were genotype 2-infected, in 1996 50.7% genotype 1-infected. Previous use of non-disposable glass syringes was a strong independent predictor (OR 3.2; CI 95%=1.4-7.3). CONCLUSION: Epidemiology of HCV infection in an endemic area of south Italy has changed over 14 years, now largely confined to the oldest age group; this seems to be due to the disappearance of its past main mode of transmission, namely the use of glass syringes.
BACKGROUND: In a 1996 survey, prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti-HCV) in a southern Italian town was 12.6%. AIMS: To identify changes in the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS: Anti-HCV, HCV-RNA (PCR, detection limit 15 IU/mL), HCV genotype (Innolipa). Were performed in a random 1:4 systematic sample of the general population. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate factors independently associated with the likelihood of anti-HCV positivity. RESULTS: Of 1012 subjects, 58 (5.7%) were anti-HCV-positive, compared to 12.6% 14 years earlier. Prevalence was 0.4% in individuals <30 years old and 31.8% in those ≥ 70 years old. Among 139 HCV-negative in 1996 re-sampled in 2010, only one had seroconverted (incidence: 0.05 × 100 persons/year). Alanine transaminase levels were elevated in 8 (13.8%). HCV-RNA was detected by PCR in 46.5% anti-HCV-positive subjects. In 2010 59% were genotype 2-infected, in 1996 50.7% genotype 1-infected. Previous use of non-disposable glass syringes was a strong independent predictor (OR 3.2; CI 95%=1.4-7.3). CONCLUSION: Epidemiology of HCV infection in an endemic area of south Italy has changed over 14 years, now largely confined to the oldest age group; this seems to be due to the disappearance of its past main mode of transmission, namely the use of glass syringes.
Authors: Claudia Roeder; Sabine Jordan; Julian Schulze Zur Wiesch; Heike Pfeiffer-Vornkahl; Dietrich Hueppe; Stefan Mauss; Elmar Zehnter; Sabine Stoll; Ulrich Alshuth; Ansgar W Lohse; Stefan Lueth Journal: World J Gastroenterol Date: 2014-08-21 Impact factor: 5.742
Authors: Mario Fusco; Pierluca Piselli; Saverio Virdone; Pietro Di Cicco; Paola Scognamiglio; Paolo De Paoli; Valerio Ciullo; Diana Verdirosi; Michele D'Orazio; Luigino Dal Maso; Enrico Girardi; Silvia Franceschi; Diego Serraino Journal: Infect Agent Cancer Date: 2016-11-03 Impact factor: 2.965
Authors: Loreta A Kondili; Sarah Robbins; Sarah Blach; Ivane Gamkrelidze; Anna L Zignego; Maurizia R Brunetto; Giovanni Raimondo; Gloria Taliani; Andrea Iannone; Francesco P Russo; Teresa A Santantonio; Massimo Zuin; Luchino Chessa; Pierluigi Blanc; Massimo Puoti; Maria Vinci; Elke M Erne; Mario Strazzabosco; Marco Massari; Pietro Lampertico; Maria G Rumi; Alessandro Federico; Alessandra Orlandini; Alessia Ciancio; Guglielmo Borgia; Pietro Andreone; Nicola Caporaso; Marcello Persico; Donatella Ieluzzi; Salvatore Madonia; Andrea Gori; Antonio Gasbarrini; Carmine Coppola; Giuseppina Brancaccio; Angelo Andriulli; Maria G Quaranta; Simona Montilla; Homie Razavi; Mario Melazzini; Stefano Vella; Antonio Craxì Journal: Liver Int Date: 2018-08-10 Impact factor: 5.828