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T Stroffolini

Publications and source records attributed to T Stroffolini.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

A population based survey of hepatitis B virus infection in a southern Italian town.

BACKGROUND: The level of endemicity and modes of transmission of hepatitis B virus infection may change over time. AIMS: To assess prevalence of and risk factors for hepatitis B infection in the general population. SUBJECTS: A total of 1352 subjects residing in a Southern Italian town in the year 1996. METHODS: Subjects were selected from the census by a systematic 1:4 random sampling procedure. Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen were detected by ELISA. The association (Odds Ratio) linking hepatitis B seropositivity to potential risk factors was estimated by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The participation rate was 96.6%. The overall prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen were 0.8% and 21.5%, respectively. Hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence was 0.2% in subjects younger than 30 years, peaked to 2.5% in the age-group 40-49 years, and decreased to 0.3% in those 60 years and older. Antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen positivity linearly increased from 6.2% in subjects < 30 years of age to 37.1% in those 60 years or older (p < 0.01). The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age > 45 years (Odds Ratio = 1.9; Confidence Intervals 95% = 1.2-3.0), use of glass syringes (Odds Ratio = 2.2; Confidence Intervals 95% = 1.5-3.4), surgical intervention (Odds Ratios = 1.8; Confidence Intervals: 95% = 1.3-2.6), and positivity for antibodies to hepatitis C virus infection (Odds Ratios = 2.6; Confidence Intervals 95% = 1.5-4.3) were all independent predictors of the likelihood of hepatitis B positivity. CONCLUSIONS: Given that a significant proportion of the general population undergoes surgical intervention, the association found between hepatitis B positivity and this exposure highlights the importance of further developing efficient procedures for the sterilization of instruments as well as the use of disposable materials to control the spread of infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among heterosexuals attending a sexually transmitted diseases clinic in Italy: role of genital ulcerative diseases.

The seroprevalence and risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were determined among 1,497 heterosexuals with no history of intravenous drug use (median age 32, range 15-78) treated at a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Rome. A total of 329 (22.0%) had antibodies to HBV core antigen (anti-HBc), a rate nearly four times as high as the 5.8% found recently in a national sample of young male adults, ages 18-26 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of anti-HBc positivity was independently associated with male sex, increasing age, lower level of education, three or more sexual partners in the previous year, and positive syphilis serology. Lack of condom use, history of nonulcerative sexually transmitted diseases, and genital herpes were not associated with anti-HBc positivity. These findings confirm that heterosexual exposure plays an important role in the spread of HBV infection. Furthermore, these data indicate that individuals with more than two sexual partners a year and those with positive syphilis serology should be immunised against HBV.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Alpha but not beta interferon is useful in chronic active hepatitis due to hepatitis C virus. A prospective, double-blind, randomized study.

Interferon-alpha has been widely used in chronic hepatitis C, but controlled studies with intramuscular interferon-beta are lacking. We therefore performed a prospective, double-blind, randomized study comparing intramuscular IFN-alpha and -beta in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive 3 MU thrice weekly intramuscularly of either recombinant IFN-alpha or leukocyte IFN-alpha or fibroblast IFN-beta for six months. Nine of 20 patients (45.0%) in the recombinant IFN, 5/19 (26.3%) in the leukocyte IFN, and none in the IFN-beta group had a complete response during therapy (recombinant IFN vs IFN-beta: P < 0.01). Only in IFN-alpha-treated patients, was infection with a single HCV genotype (type 2a or 2b) associated with significantly better long-term outcome. IFN-alpha is useful in chronic hepatitis C while intramuscular IFN-beta interferon does not exert any beneficial effect. This is probably due to an insufficient bioavailability of IFN-beta when given intramuscularly.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Risk factors in community-acquired chronic hepatitis C virus infection: a case-control study in Italy.

AIMS/METHODS: A case-control study was carried out in Italy to assess the risk factors associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Five hundred consecutive chronic anti-hepatitis C virus positive cases and 500 sex and exactly age-matched anti-hepatitis C virus negative/HBsAg negative controls entered the study. Information was collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The adjusted Odds Ratios linking hepatitis C virus infection and risk factors were estimated by conditional multiple logistic regression. Demographic and socio-economic characteristics were similar in cases and controls. Seventy-five percent of patients were aged over 40: males were prominent in the group < or = 40, while the number of females increased with age. RESULTS: As expected, drug addiction and blood transfusion emerged as independent risk factors: blood transfusion in all ages and in both sexes, drug addiction only in subjects under 41 years and mostly in males. Other risk factors independently associated with hepatitis C virus infection were: previous use of non-disposable needles, previous tuberculosis, and prolonged hospitalization before 1970. A history of sexually-transmitted diseases was not associated. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the great spread of hepatitis C virus in Italy may have occurred several years ago through parenteral routes which are not now operating. Modern hygienic and sanitation measures have significantly controlled exposure to the infection, which in the younger generations is confined to high-risk groups such as drug addicts.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Incidence of non-A, non-B and HCV positive hepatitis in healthcare workers in Italy.

In Italy, using figures from a surveillance system for acute viral hepatitis, the incidence rate of acute non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANBH) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) hepatitis cases was evaluated in healthcare workers (HCWs) and the general population of the same age over the period 1988-1994. The NANBH incidence among the general population declined from 4.7/100,000 in 1988 to 2.1/100,000 in 1994; the corresponding figures among HCWs were 12.3/100,000 (RR 2.62; CI 95% = 1.66-4.15) in 1988 and 4.3/100,000 (RR 2.05; CI 95% = 1.13-3.77) in 1994. Since 1991, NANBH cases have been tested for antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV). During the period 1991-1994 the proportion of NANBH cases tested for anti-HCV was 81% (38/47) in HCWs and 85% (1019/1193) in other NANBH cases. A similar proportion of NANBH cases in each group (74% and 70%) were shown to be due to HCV. The incidence rate of HCV positive cases among the general population was 1.3/100,000 in 1991 and 1.8/100,000 in 1994; the corresponding figures among HCWs were 3.7/100,000 (RR 2.85; CI 95% = 1.42-5.92) in 1991 and 3.1/100,000 (RR 1.72; CI 95% = 0.88-3.59) in 1994. The proportion of cases with jaundice was 56.2% in HCWs and 63.7% in the general population. Needlestick injury without major risk factors such as blood transfusion, intravenous drug use or surgical intervention was reported by 12.0% of HCWs and by 0.1% of the general population. Lack of any risk factor was reported by 40.2% of HCWs. These findings strongly suggest that in Italy healthcare workers are at greater risk than the general population of acquiring NANBH, as well as HCV.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Prevalence of hepatitis E in a central Italian town at high endemicity for hepatitis C virus.

In the spring of 1994, the occurrence of Hepatitis E virus antibodies was evaluated in 653 subjects representing all age-groups in the general population of a Central Italian town, where a high hepatitis C virus prevalence had been reported. The overall anti-HEV prevalence was 2.6% ranging from 1.4% in the 30-49 age-group to 5.7% (p < 0.01) in the 60-70 age-group; none of the subjects under 30 years of age were positive. Sociodemographic variables, such as family size and years of schooling were not associated with HEV exposure. Anti-HEV positivity was found in 1.8% (1/56) of the subjects who were positive for anti-HCV and in 2.7% (16/597) of those who were anti-HCV negative (O.R 1.5; C.I.: 95% = 0.2-11.7). Thus no association was found between HEV and HCV infections. These data suggest a past spread of HEV in this area and underline the occurrence of long-lasting antibodies in infected subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Hospitalization rate and mean days of hospitalization of notified viral hepatitis cases in Italy. The Seieva Collaborating Group.

The hospitalization rate and the mean days of hospitalization of notified viral hepatitis cases in Italy were estimated by a specific surveillance system for acute viral hepatitis over the period 1987-1992. The hospitalization rate was very high, ranging from 88.8% for hepatitis A to 90.9% for non-A, non-B hepatitis. No changes were observed over time. For each type of hepatitis the highest figure was observed in the 15-24 year age group. The mean days of hospitalization of hepatitis B (24.2) and non-A, non-B (20.5) hepatitis was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of hepatitis A (16.5). The highest mean days of hospitalization of hepatitis A and B occurred in the 0-14 year age group, while for non-A, non-B hepatitis it was observed in subjects over 24 years of age. These findings indicate a nearly similar rate of hospitalization of all types of hepatitis. Hepatitis B and non-A, non-B hepatitis show a more prolonged course than hepatitis A.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Retrospective survey on the epidemiology of H. influenzae type B meningitis in Italy (1987-91).

A retrospective survey on the epidemiology of H. Influenzae type b (Hib) meningitis was carried out in seven Italian hospitals. During the period 1987-1991, 95 (16.3%) Hib meningitis cases out of 581 bacterial meningitis cases were observed. The proportion of Hib meningitis was lowest in 1987 (11.3%); elevated in 1988 (17.9%); thereafter it did not change. A male preponderance was observed (Sex ratio 1.6). The age distribution showed that 93.7% of cases occurred in subjects < 5 years, 53.7% of cases in those < 1 year. Although Hib meningitis accounts for a small proportion of all bacterial meningitis, it is also a major problem in Italy in early childhood, because nearly all cases occur in children < 5 years.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1995

Low prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among Italian Air Force recruits.

In 1990, the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) was assessed among 4,978 Air Force recruits aged 18-26 years coming from all regions of Italy. Positivity to anti-HCV was found by both IIIrd generation EIA and RIBA in 24 (0.48%) study participants. The prevalence was twice as high in Southern Italy and the islands as in Northern and Central Italy (0.76% vs. 0.35%), a difference which was not statistically significant. The results of multiple logistic regression showed that no sociodemographic variable (region of birth, father's years of education, number of siblings) was associated with anti-HCV positivity. No anti-HCV-positive individual was positive for HBsAg. Anti-HCV positivity was found in 0.8% (2/236) of the participants who were positive for anti-HBc and in 0.5% (22/4742) of those who were anti-HBc negative, also a difference which was not statistically significant. Thus no association was found between HCV and HBV infections. These findings indicate that in Italy, HCV infection is an uncommon event among young adult males.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

High prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in a small central Italian town: lack of evidence of parenteral exposure.

In the spring of 1994, anti-HCV prevalence and associated risk factors were evaluated in 681 subjects representing all age-groups in the general population of a small central Italian town. The overall anti-HCV prevalence was 8.4%, ranging from 3.7% in the 30-39 age-group to 18.2% (p < 0.01) in the 60-70 age-group; no subject below 30 years of age was positive. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the only variables independently associated with anti-HCV positivity were awareness of unspecified liver disease (O.R. 3.58), age > 45 years (O.R. 2.72), and lowest number of years of schooling (O.R. 11.0) while no association was found with any parenteral exposure such as blood transfusion, intravenous drug use, major or minor surgical intervention, use of glass syringes or dental therapy. The HBsAg prevalence in this population was 1.3%, which corresponds to the rate reported in central Italy. These findings show a high level of HCV endemicity, with no evidence of parenteral exposure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Incidence of hepatitis B virus infection among an Italian military population: evidence of low infection spread.

In 1990, a prospective serological survey to estimate the rate of clinical and inapparent infection with hepatitis B virus was performed in a cohort of 1324 soldiers, 18-24 years old, during an eight-month period in Italy. At the time of enrollment the prevalence of hepatitis B markers was 4.6% (0.7% subjects positive for hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], 3.0% positive for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBs], and 0.9% positive for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen [anti-HBc] alone. Among the 1263 susceptible subjects who were followed-up, only 2 (0.24/100 person-years of exposure) had seroconversion for HBV markers, none of which was associated with clinical illness. Among the 9 subjects HBsAg-positive at the time of enrollment, 1 (11.2%) had lost HBsAg at the end of follow-up. These data show a low spread of HBV infection among Italian young generations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Decline in anti-HAV prevalence in the Milan area between 1958 and 1992.

We have compared the prevalence of antibody to HAV in sera collected from healthy individuals of Milan in 1958, 1977 and 1992 respectively. The results show a dramatic reduction of HAV circulation likely due to the considerable improvement of socioeconomic and hygienic living conditions which have occurred in Italy during the last decades.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Pathogenic factors in cirrhosis with and without hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter Italian study.

We designed a multicenter cross-sectional study to evaluate the role of alcohol abuse, the hepatitis viruses and other pathogenic factors in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. A total of 1,829 consecutive cirrhosis patients, with or without HCC, was enrolled over 6 mo in 21 centers throughout Italy. The etiological categories and diagnostic criteria were preestablished. The median age of the patients was 59 yr (range, 13 to 85 yr); 63.6% of the patients were graded as Child class A, 23.4% as Child class B and 13% as Child class C. Hepatitis C virus antibodies were found in 72.1% of cases (47.7% alone, 21.2% with alcohol abuse, 3.2% with hepatitis B virus); HBsAg was present in 13.8% (4.2% alone, 3.2% with hepatitis D virus, 3.2% with hepatitis C virus, 3% with alcohol abuse), alcohol abuse with no concomitant viral infection was recorded in 8.7%, primary biliary cirrhosis was found in 1.8%, other causes were found in 1.4% and cryptogenic cirrhosis was only present in 5.3%. Hepatocellular carcinoma was detected in 11.9% of patients (217 cases). The presence of hepatocellular carcinoma was more frequent in males than females (14.7% vs. 7.3%; p < 0.001) and increased with worsening Child class (8.3% in Child class A, 16.9% in Child class B, 19.9% in Child class C, p < 0.001). The highest prevalences of hepatocellular carcinoma were observed in hepatitis B virus infection, with or without alcohol abuse (20% and 16%, respectively) and in hepatitis C virus cirrhosis, with or without alcohol abuse (16% and 10.3%, p < 0.005).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗