Prevalence of parenteral viral hepatitis B and C markers among migrants in the North-West Federal District

The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of serological and molecular biological markers of parenteral viral hepatitis B and C among international migrants in the North-West Federal District (NWFD). Materials and methods. The study included 537 blood plasma samples obtained from foreign nationals from 46 countries who underwent medical examination to obtain a work permit in the Migration Department of the North-West Federal District. We assayed for the presence of serological (anti-HCV IgG, HBsAg, anti-HBs IgG, anti-HBs IgG) and molecular biological (HCV RNA, HBV DNA) markers. Results and discussion. More than 80% of the examined citizens belonged to 11 out of 46 represented countries. The analysis revealed 6.1% of persons with anti-HCV IgG antibodies and 2.6% with HBsAg. HCV RNA and HBV DNA were detected in 2.79% and 8.19%, respectively. Among HCV RNA-positive individuals, four (0.74%) were undetectable for anti-HCV. 6.15% of HBsAg-negative hepatitis B patients were detected. The contribution of migrants’ countries of origin to the frequencies of serological and molecular biological markers of hepatitis B and C identified in the surveyed group is discussed. Conclusion. The study of migration processes and associated flows of socially significant infections plays a key role in controlling the spread of infectious diseases on the territory of the Russian Federation, including the strengthening of the Russian Federation’s strategy for the elimination of viral hepatitis.