Migration and health: A retrospective study about the prevalence of HBV, HIV, HCV, tuberculosis and syphilis infections amongst newly arrived migrants screened at the Infectious Diseases Unit of Modena, Italy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of HBV, HIV, HCV, tuberculosis and syphilis infection among immigrants assigned to the immigrant centre of the province of Modena. METHODS: At the time of arrival all immigrant were tested for: HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, Ag p24/HIVAb, HCVAb, RPR, TPPA, Mantoux test (>10mm diameter of induration was considered to be positive), Chest X-rays. In case of positive samples, second level tests were performed (HbeAg, HBeAb, HDVAb, and baseline management and treatment of the infection detected). RESULTS: A total of 304 immigrant people were enrolled in the study. HBsAg positivity was 12.2%, HCVAb 3.3%, HIVAb 1.6%, TPPA+RPR positivity in the 0.7%; 10.2% had a positive Mantoux test; 5.6% had Chest X-rays positive for signs of infection and 6 patients had an active tuberculosis. 83.8% HBsAg were HBeAb positive/HBeAg negative. HDVAb resulted positive in 1 patient (2.7%). Previous HBV infection was detected in 28.6% of cases, isolated HBcAb in 2.3%; 5.6% of patients resulted to be positive to HbsAb alone (probable vaccinated). CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the high prevalence of HBsAg positivity and latent tuberculosis among immigrants, underlying the importance of screening for infections in this special population.