Hepatitis A outbreak in Italy, 2013: a matched case-control study

Torna indietro

Abstract

Between January and May 2013 a hepatitis A (HA) incidence increase was detected in Italy, signalling an outbreak. A retrospective matched case–control study was conducted to identify the source of infection. A case was defined as a resident of any of five regions (Apulia, autonomous province of Bolzano, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli–Venezia-Giulia and autonomous province of Trento), who had symptom onset between 1 January and 31 May2013 as well a positive test for anti-HA virus IgM. We compared each case with four age-and neighbourhood-matched controls. Overall 119 cases and 419 controls were enrolled. Berries were found as the main risk factor for HA (adjusted odds ratio (ORadj): 4.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5–7.0) followed by raw seafood (ORadj: 3.8; 95% CI: 2.2–6.8; PAF: 26%). Sequencing the virion protein (VP)1-2a region from 24 cases yielded a common sequence (GenBank number: KF182323). The same sequence was amplified from frozen mixed berries consumed by some cases as well as from isolates from Dutch and German HA patients, who had visited some of the affected Italian provinces during the outbreak. These findings suggested berries as the main source of the Italian outbreak. Control measures included voluntary recall of the confirmed frozen mixed berry batches and a trace-back investigation was initiated. The Ministry of Health website recommends frozen berries to be cooked for two minutes before eating.

Autore Pugliese

Tutti gli autori

  • Montano-Remacha C. , Ricotta L. , Alfonsi V. , Bella A. , Tosti M. , Ciccaglione A. , Bruni R. , Taffon S. , Equestre M. , Losio M. , Carraro V. , Franchini S. , Natter B. , Augschiller M. , Foppa A. , Gualanduzzi C. , Massimiliani E. , Finarelli A. , Borrini B. , Gallo T. , Cozza V. , Chironna M. , Prato R. , Rizzo C. , Central Task Force on Hepatitis.

Titolo volume/Rivista

EUROSURVEILLANCE

Anno di pubblicazione

2014

ISSN

1025-496X

ISBN

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Wos

2

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Scopus

10

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile

Settori ERC

Non Disponibile

Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile