The State of Hepatitis B and C in the Mediterranean and Balkan Countries: Report from a Summit Conference

Abstract

SUMMARY. The burden of disease due to chronic viral hepatitis constitutes a global threat. In many Balkan and Mediterranean countries, the disease burden due to viral hepatitis remains largely unrecognized, including in highrisk groups and migrants, because of a lack of reliable epidemiological data, suggesting the need for better and targeted surveillance for public health gains. In many countries, the burden of chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B and C is increasing due to ageing of unvaccinated populations and migration, and a probable increase in drug injecting. Targeted vaccination strategies for hepatitis B virus (HBV) among risk groups and harm reduction interventions at adequate scale and coverage for injecting drug users are needed. Transmission of HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in healthcare settings and a higher prevalence of HBV and HCV among recipients of blood and blood products in the Balkan and North African countries highlight the need to implement and monitor universal precautions in these settings and use voluntary, nonremunerated, repeat donors. Progress in drug discovery has improved outcomes of treatment for both HBV and HCV, although access is limited by the high costs of these drugs and resources available for health care. Egypt, with the highest burden of hepatitis C in the world, provides treatment through its National Control Strategy. Addressing the burden of viral hepatitis in the Balkan and Mediterranean regions will require national commitments in the form of strategic plans, financial and human resources, normative guidance and technical support from regional agencies and research.

A Study on the Age-Related Changes in Hepatitis B and C Virus Serology

“…Media, universities and industrial companies should take collaborative action to inform the community on these issues. However, illicit drug use, which is increasing globally, may also affect anti-HCV positivity in Turkey [17]. Thus, particularly younger people should be informed about the possibility of transmitting viral hepatitis by sharing needles.…”

Economic evaluation of HBV vaccination: A systematic review of recent publications (2000–2013)

“…Moreover, HBV infection is one of the mail virus transmitted by medical practices, such as surgical intervention, dental care, especially in cases where infection control precautions are inadequate. [71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80] The infections sustained by HBV mainly affect the liver, causing acute and chronic diseases, such as liver infections and cirrhosis. 73 It is now well known that chronic infections with HBV hepatitis C virus (HCV) are also considered the main cause of liver cancer and for this fact classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as carcinogenic to humans (group 1).…”

“…[78][79] In this field the importance of public health policies that address the health and safety of this socially vulnerable population is very high. [80][81][82] A very recent systematic review highlights that waste workers need to be vaccinated against HBV infection taking into account these workers are at risk of acquiring this infection through the exposure to potentially infected waste. 83 The HBV vaccination has also an indirect effect on the epidemiology of blood transmitted diseases (BTD).…”

Monitoring of Chlamydia Trachomatis Genitourinary Infection in Women - Analytical Comparative Study Using Public Health Records from Two Balkan Countries

“…This is particularly important for infectious diseases such as viral hepatitis, but also for other public health issues (35). In this regard, standardized collection and analysis of original data, with special emphasis on the individual records of patients (e.g.…”