Screening for hepatitis B and C in first‐generation Egyptian migrants living in the Netherlands

Zuure, Freke; Bouman, J.; Martens, Marjolein; Vanhommerig, Joost W.; Urbanus, A.; Davidovich, Udi; Houdt, Robin van; Speksnijder, A.G.C.L.; Weegink, Christine J.; Hoek, Anneke van den; Prins, Maria

doi:10.1111/liv.12131

Cited by 34 publications

(36 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…In Malta, where most migrants tested were from Somalia, only 31 out of 5000 were found HBsAg positive [20]. Among first generation migrants tested in the Netherlands, the prevalence of HBsAg was estimated to be 3.8%, [22] whereas it was 1.1% among Egyptians [27]; further studies found anti-HBc prevalence ranging from 16.8 to 20%, showing high variability in accordance with age groups and ethnicity [24]. Furthermore, prevalence of HBsAg positivity of 5.9% was found among migrants in Portugal [29].…”

Section: Hepatitis B Virusmentioning

confidence: 97%

Vaccinations in migrants and refugees: a challenge for European health systems. A systematic review of current scientific evidence

Mipatrini¹,

Stefanelli

Severoni

et al. 2017

Pathogens and Global Health

165

122

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The decline of immunization rates in countries of origin of migrants and refugees, along with risky conditions during the journey to Europe, may threaten migrants' health. We performed a systematic review of the scientific literature in order to assess the frequency of vaccine preventable diseases, and vaccination coverage among migrants and refugees in Europe. To this end, Medline and Cochrane databases were considered. After the screening and the selection process, 58 papers were included in the review. We focused on the following vaccinepreventable diseases: hepatitis B, measles, rubella, mumps, tetanus, poliomyelitis, pertussis, diphtheria, meningitis, and varicella. The results were presented as a qualitative synthesis. In summary, several studies highlighted that migrants and refugees have lower immunization rates compared to European-born individuals. Firstly, this is due to low vaccination coverage in the country of origin. Then, several problems may limit migrants' access to vaccination in Europe: (i) migrants are used to move around the continent, and many vaccines require multiple doses at regular times; (ii) information on the immunization status of migrants is often lacking; (iii) hosting countries face severe economic crises; (iv) migrants often refuse registration with medical authorities for fear of legal consequences and (v) the lack of coordination among public health authorities of neighboring countries may determine either duplications or lack of vaccine administration. Possible strategies to overcome these problems include tailoring immunization services on the specific needs of the target population, developing strong communication campaigns, developing vaccination registers, and promoting collaboration among public health authorities of European Countries. Background and aims

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Section: Hepatitis B Virusmentioning

confidence: 97%

Vaccinations in migrants and refugees: a challenge for European health systems. A systematic review of current scientific evidence

Mipatrini¹,

Stefanelli

Severoni

et al. 2017

Pathogens and Global Health

165

122

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…The virus shows evidence of continuous transmission in health care settings as well as within households [2]. Due to the absence of vaccines and drugs for post-exposure prophylaxis, precautionary measures preventing future spread is the cornerstone for prevention [3]. …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As a result, a potentially large number of infected individuals remain unidentified or are identified late [3]. A major barrier to seeking HCV treatment is unawareness of HCV seropositivity [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Validation of EGCRISC for Chronic Hepatitis C Infection Screening and Risk Assessment in the Egyptian Population

et al. 2016

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Chronic HCV infection, a highly endemic disease in Egypt, is usually asymptomatic for decades after infection. Prediction questionnaire tool was proofed to be a valuable, feasible and efficient instrument for the screening of several diseases. We previously developed an Egyptian HCV risk screening tool (EGCRISC). This study aims to validate/modify EGCRISC. A cross-sectional study testing 4579 individuals by EGCRISC as well as ELISA/PCR was performed. The sample was a stratified cluster sampling from urban and rural areas in Upper and Lower Egypt using a proportional allocation technique. The degree of agreement and positive and negative posttest probabilities were calculated. ROC curve was done and the cutoff points were customized for best performance. The total score was further classified into three levels according to the risk load. The mean age of the participants was 41.1±12.2 in whom HCV prevalence was 8.6%. EGCRISC, particularly after modifying the cutoff points, has a good discriminating ability. The degree of agreement was at least 68.1% and the positive posttest probability ranged from 5% to 37.2% whereas the negative posttest probability was in the range 1% to 17%. We conclude that EGCRISC is a valid tool that can potentially screen for HCV infection risk in Egypt and could diminish the demand for mass serologic screening in those apparently at minimal risk. Extensive use of electronic and self- or interviewer-administered risk-based screening strategy may simplify and promote overall screening and detection of HCV dissimilar communities.

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“…A higher prevalence was expected based on previous estimations in these hotspots (0.5% to 1%), 27,28 or other Dutch studies focusing on risk groups (0.3% to 4.8%), 32,34,38,39 and on (inter)national estimations that a substantial population is untested. [2][3][4][5] Estimates of the hidden HCV-infected population, however, are largely derived from mathematical models (43% to 72%).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 51%

Detecting Hepatitis B and C by Combined Public Health and Primary Care Birth Cohort Testing

et al. 2018

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PURPOSE Both chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and B virus (HBV) infections are generally asymptomatic, and many remain undetected or are diagnosed at a late stage. Studies that evaluate best practice hepatitis testing strategies are needed to better detect this hidden population. METHODSIn this prospective cohort study, we aimed to determine the diagnostic yield (test uptake and rate of positive test results) of a combined public health and primary care birth cohort testing strategy in detecting hidden cases of HCV and HBV infections. We invited all patients aged between 40 and 70 years (n = 6,743) registered with 11 family practices serving 2 higher prevalence areas, or hotspots (ie, estimated HCV prevalence of 1%; national estimated prevalence is 0.1-0.4%), in the south of the Netherlands. RESULTSTest uptake was 50.9% (n = 3,434 patients). No active or chronic HCV infection was detected: 0.00% (95% CI, 0.00%-0.11%). Positive test rates were 0.20% (95% CI, 0.08%-0.42%) for anti-HCV (n = 7), 0.26% (95% CI, 0.12%-0.50%) for hepatitis B surface antigen (n = 9), and 4.14% (95% CI, 3.49%-4.86%) for antihepatitis B core (n = 142).CONCLUSIONS This best practice testing strategy was effective in achieving a high test uptake. It completely failed, however, to detect hidden chronic HCV infections and is not recommended for countries with a low prevalence of the disease.

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Screening for hepatitis B and C in first‐generation Egyptian migrants living in the Netherlands

Cited by 34 publications

References 33 publications

Vaccinations in migrants and refugees: a challenge for European health systems. A systematic review of current scientific evidence

Vaccinations in migrants and refugees: a challenge for European health systems. A systematic review of current scientific evidence

Validation of EGCRISC for Chronic Hepatitis C Infection Screening and Risk Assessment in the Egyptian Population

Detecting Hepatitis B and C by Combined Public Health and Primary Care Birth Cohort Testing

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