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Acute hepatitis E virus infection in a migrant population in North East Italy: A retrospective analysis.
- Source :
- Travel Medicine & Infectious Disease; Nov/Dec2017, Vol. 20, p37-42, 6p
- Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- Objective To study the epidemiological and clinical features of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection in a migrant population. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review, identifying a cohort of 21 symptomatic patients of migrant origin with confirmed HEV infection admitted in the period between January 1995–November 2014. Results 20 (95%) patients came from South Asian countries highly endemic for HEV, all positive for HEV genotype 1. Recent travel to a highly endemic country was the most consistent risk factor identified in 90% of cases, duration from return to Italy to hospitalization ranged from 10 to 120 days. Nausea and vomiting (100%), jaundice (95.2%), and anorexia (85.7%) were the most common reported symptoms. Fever was present in 57.1% of cases. Transaminase values were elevated in all patients and serum bilirubin was raised in 86% of patients. We found no statistically significant differences between clinical symptoms, laboratory results or duration of hospitalization in patients with co-morbidities compared to those without. We also report a secondary case of HEV genotype 1 transmitted within Italy. Conclusion Our study highlights the epidemiological risk factors and clinical features of HEV infection in a migrant population in Italy and should stimulate further research regarding the prevalence and morbidity of HEV within migrant populations in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14778939
- Volume :
- 20
- Database :
- Supplemental Index
- Journal :
- Travel Medicine & Infectious Disease
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 126947347
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmaid.2017.03.014