Abstract

In this study we assessed the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in both the Italian population and immigrants from developing countries in Foggia (Apulia, Southern Italy). The seroprevalence of HEV was determined in 1217 subjects [412 (34%) immigrants and 805 Italian subjects (blood donors, general population, HIV-positive, haemodialysis patients)]. Serum samples were tested for anti-HEV and confirmed by Western blot assay; in positive patients HEV RNA and genotype were also determined. There were 8·8% of patients that were positive to anti-HEV, confirmed by Western blot. The prevalence in immigrants was 19·7%, and in Italians 3·9% (blood donors 1·3%, general population 2·7%, HIV-positive patients 2·0%, haemodialysis patients 9·6%). Anti-HEV IgM was found in 38/107 (35·5%) of the anti-HEV-positive serum samples (34 immigrants, four Italians). This study indicates a higher circulation of HEV in immigrants and Italian haemodialysis patients, whereas a low prevalence of HEV antibodies was seen in the remaining Italian population.

Autore Pugliese

• Prato Rosa

Tutti gli autori

• Scotto G. , Martinelli D. , Centra M. , Querques M. , Vittorio F. , Carri P.D. , Tartaglia A. , Campanale F. , Bulla F. , Prato R. , Fazio V.

Titolo volume/Rivista

EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION

Anno di pubblicazione

2014

ISSN

0950-2688

ISBN

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Wos

17

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Scopus

18

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile

Settori ERC

Non Disponibile

Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile