Systematic Reviews
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Virol. Dec 25, 2024; 13(4): 93721
Published online Dec 25, 2024. doi: 10.5501/wjv.v13.i4.93721
Review of Albanian studies suggests the need for further efforts to counteract significant hepatitis B virus prevalence
Jerina Jaho, Fatjona Kamberi, Enkeleint A Mechili, Agreta Bicaj, Paola Carnì, Leonardo Baiocchi
Jerina Jaho, Fatjona Kamberi, Enkeleint A Mechili, Faculty of Health, University of Vlore “Ismail Qemali”, Vlore 9400, Albania
Agreta Bicaj, Paola Carnì, Leonardo Baiocchi, Department of Hepatology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
Agreta Bicaj, Paola Carnì, Postgraduate School in Gastroenterology, Our Lady of Good Counsel University, Tirana 1001, Albania
Leonardo Baiocchi, Faculty of Medicine, Our Lady of Good Counsel University, Tirana 1001, Albania
Author contributions: Jaho J contributed to the data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation, and drafted and critically revised the manuscript; Kamberi F, Mechili EA, Bicaj A, and Carnì P acquired the data and critically revised the manuscript; Baiocchi L contributed to the study conception and critically revised the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
PRISMA 2009 Checklist statement: The authors have read the PRISMA 2009 Checklist, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the PRISMA 2009 Checklist.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Leonardo Baiocchi, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Senior Scientist, Department of Hepatology, University of Tor Vergata, No. 81 Viale Oxford, Rome 00133, Italy. baiocchi@uniroma2.it
Received: March 5, 2024
Revised: August 5, 2024
Accepted: September 3, 2024
Published online: December 25, 2024
Processing time: 226 Days and 21.9 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is categorized as one of the smallest enveloped DNA viruses and is the prototypical virus of the Hepatoviridae family. It is usually transmitted through body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. The majority (more than 95%) of immunocompetent adults infected with HBV spontaneously clear the infection. In the context of the high prevalence of HBV infection in Albania, the research gap is characterized by the lack of studies aimed at advancing the current understanding and improving the prevailing situation. The main objective of this study was to address the low rate of HBV diagnosis and the lack of a comprehensive national program to facilitate widespread diagnosis.

AIM

To analyze the prevalence of HBV infection in Albania and elucidate the persistently high prevalence despite efforts and measures implemented.

METHODS

Using a systematic literature review, we collected existing research on the epidemiology of HBV in Albania from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Albanian Medical Journals, focusing on studies published after the 1980s and conducted solely in the Albanian population.

RESULTS

The findings reveal a dynamic shift in HBV prevalence in Albania over several decades. Initially high, the prevalence gradually declined following the implementation of screening and vaccination programs. However, the prevalence rates have remained notably high, exceeding 8% in recent years. Contributing factors include vertical transmission, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and challenges in screening and diagnosis. Studies among Albanian refugees in neighboring countries also reported high prevalence rates, emphasizing the need for transnational interventions. Despite advancements in screening, vaccination, and healthcare infrastructure, Albania continues to face a substantial burden of HBV infection.

CONCLUSION

The persistence of high prevalence underscores the complexity of the issue, requiring ongoing efforts to ensure a comprehensive understanding and effective mitigation. Addressing gaps in vaccination coverage, improving access to screening and diagnosis, and enhancing public awareness are crucial steps toward reducing HBV prevalence in Albania.

Keywords: Albania; Hepatitis B virus; Epidemiology; Vaccination; Systematic review

Core Tip: This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in Albania and elucidate the persistently high prevalence despite implemented efforts and measures.