Risk factors for and incidence of acute hepatitis C after the achievement of blood supply safety in Italy: Results from the national surveillance system

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Abstract

Surveillance systems for acute hepatitis C allow monitoring of disease incidence trends and transmission patterns. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of reported cases of symptomatic acute hepatitis C in Italy after the achievement of blood supply safety. The incidence of symptomatic acute hepatitis C since 1991 was estimated. Risk factors for acute hepatitis C were analyzed for the period 2003-2010 through a case-control study within a population-based surveillance for acute viral hepatitis. From 1991 to 2010, the incidence decreased from 2 to 0.2 per 100,000, with a more evident decrease among persons aged 15-24 years. During 2003-2010, 1,053 cases were reported. Intravenous drug use (adjusted odds ratio [(adj) OR], 30.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 18.9-49.1), cohabitation or sexual partnership with an hepatitis C virus (HCV) carrier ((adj) OR, 11.2; 95% CI, 6.6-19.2), nosocomial exposure ((adj) OR, 6.6; 95% CI, 4.6-9.4); unsafe sexual practices ((adj) OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.9-5.2), and cosmetic treatments with percutaneous exposure ((adj) OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4) were independently associated with acute hepatitis C. Population attributable risk estimates indicated nosocomial exposure (39.6%) and intravenous drug use (30.5%) as responsible for most cases. In conclusion, the incidence of symptomatic acute hepatitis C is declining in Italy. Currently, the most important risk factors are: having an HCV-positive household or sexual partner, unsafe sexual practices, cosmetic percutaneous treatments, intravenous drug use, and nosocomial exposure; the latter two factors are responsible for most cases. Effective prevention programs for intravenous drug users and strict adherence to universal precautions in healthcare settings are needed.

Autore Pugliese

Tutti gli autori

  • Spada E. , Mele A. , Mariano A. , Zuccaro O. , Tosti M.E. , Seieva collaborating group.

Titolo volume/Rivista

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY

Anno di pubblicazione

2013

ISSN

0146-6615

ISBN

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Wos

11

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Scopus

12

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile

Settori ERC

Non Disponibile

Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile