PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS-VIRUS INFECTIONS IN ALBANIAN REFUGEES

A sample of 393 Albanian refugees, including both children and adults, was tested for serological HAV, HBV, HDV, and HCV markers. A high pre valence of infection with both the hepatitis A and B viruses was found , while HDV and HCV infections were uncommon. The overall prevalence o f anti-HAV was 96%; it was very high in children 0-10 years, suggestin g that HAV infection is largely acquired during childhood and that poo r ambiental conditions influence the spreading of this viral infection . One or more serological markers of HBV infection were found in 295 A lbanians (75%), confirming the endemic nature of this virus in the Alb anian community. The overall prevalence of HBsAg was 19% and the carri er rate was higher in males than in females. The high HBsAg prevalence among children suggests that HBV infection is usually acquired in ear ly childhood. The serological data obtained in the Albanian sample exa mined clearly indicate the urgent need for measures to reduce the inci dence of HAV and HBV infections and to avoid the further spread of HDV and HCV infections. Finally, the high prevalence of type B hepatitis indicates the necessity of vaccination against HBV for all risk groups and for all children at birth.