Blood borne virus (BBV) testing in a university setting in North-East Scotland: a pilot initiative

Abstract

Blood borne viruses (BBVs; Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV) continue to be a major public health concern globally. It is estimated that hepatitis B and hepatitis C caused 1.4 million deaths in 2010 and HIV caused 1.7 million deaths in 2011. Prevalence of BBVs is higher in migrant populations compared to the indigenous population. In the UK, migrant populations represent a significant proportion of reported cases of hepatitis B and HIV. Furthermore about 45% of all new HIV diagnoses in the UK in 2012 were in individuals born abroad and up to 50% of the estimated 9000 people livingwith hepatitis B in Scotland remain undiagnosed. Aberdeen, Northeast of Scotland, is home to two prestigious universities and several big oil companies that attract large numbers of migrants including students and oil workers from countries where the prevalence of BBV is high. Consequently, the demography of this region has significantly changed over the last 20 years. Although current national guidelines recommend increase testing for BBVs, testing is often only carried out when an individual self-presents to health care services