April 16, 2016, Barcelona, Spain: A new study presented today demonstrates the potential challenge posed to public health systems across Europe as a result of the prevalence of Hepatitis B among new refugee populations. The study was presented at The International Liver Congress™ 2016 in Barcelona, Spain.
With nearly one million asylum applications lodged in Germany alone last year,1 the European Union (EU) is experiencing an unprecedented wave of immigration by refugees and asylum seekers.2 With many coming from unstable and fragile states like Syria where health systems have broken down and routine immunisation has been severely compromised,3 health authorities in the EU face serious challenges in responding to the spread of communicable diseases among both refugee and native populations.
"Recording data amongst transient and displaced populations can be extremely challenging," said Dr Philipp Solbach from the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology of the Medizinsche Hochschule Hannover, Germany and lead author of the study. "The prevalence data we have recorded, alongside decreased levels of immunity and non-immunisation, reveals the true extent of the public health challenge that Europe is facing with regard to Hepatitis B."
The study was conducted by testing 793 patients from all age groups for serological markers of Hepatitis B virus infection (HBsAg and anti-HBc), and liver enzyme tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin, gGT, alkaline phosphatase) were performed in refugee reception centres in northern Germany throughout August 2015. 258 patients were tested for anti-HBs antibodies.
The presence of Hepatitis B, as measured by HBsAg, was found in 2.3% of people tested and anti-HBc in 14% of people tested, indicating higher levels of Hepatitis B infection than in the German controls, but not higher than other migrant populations working in Germany. Prevalence of HBsAg was found to be higher overall in male patients (2.5%) and middle-aged to older patients (3.1%) compared to female and younger patients. Male patients were also more likely to exhibit anti-HBc than female patients (14.5% compared to 13.5%) however the highest levels were found amongst the over 50s age group (38%).
With regard to liver enzymes, elevated ALT and AST were recorded in 15.9% and 5.8% respectively of those refugees studied. The study further revealed that more than half of patients studied (62%) had no immunity to Hepatitis B altogether and only 18.6% had been vaccinated against the disease.
"This new research demonstrates the potential impact of health policy across Europe," said Professor Tom Hemming Karlsen, EASL Vice-Secretary. "Understanding the potential health implications of large scale migratory trends like the one Europe is currently experiencing can be challenging, however it is urgently needed. While this study looks at Hepatitis B markers in isolation, there are potential implications for surveillance of communicable diseases across the board."
About The International Liver Congress™
This annual congress is the biggest event in the EASL calendar, attracting scientific and medical experts from around the world to learn about the latest in liver research. Attending specialists present, share, debate and conclude on the latest science and research in hepatology, working to enhance the treatment and management of liver disease in clinical practice. This year, the congress is expected to attract approximately 10,000 delegates from all corners of the globe. The International Liver Congress™ takes place from April 13 - 17, 2016, at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain.
Since EASL's foundation in 1966, this not-for-profit organisation has grown to over 4,000 members from all over the world, including many of the leading hepatologists in Europe and beyond. EASL is the leading liver association in Europe, having evolved into a major European Association with international influence, with an impressive track record in promoting research in liver disease, supporting wider education and promoting changes in European liver policy.
For more information, please contact the ILC Press Office at:
Telephone: +44 (0)7841 009 252
Onsite location reference
EU and Public Health, Hall 8.0
Saturday 16 April, 11:30 - 13:30
Presenter: Philipp Solbach, Germany
Abstract: PS137, Hepatitis B seroprevalence and immunization status of refugees seeking asylum in Germany in the current Middle-East crisis
Author disclosures of interest
1 Federal Government of Germany. Office for Migration and Refugees. The 2014 Migration Report. 22 January 2016. Available from: http://www.
2 European Commission Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs. EMN Bulletin. Edition 13. 29 January 2016. Available from: http://ec.
3 World Health Organization. Syrian Arab Republic: Annual Report 2015. February 2016. Available from: http://www.