Viral hepatitis in Denmark

Abstract

OZET To provide an overview of the epidemiology and public health strategies concerning viral hepatitis in Denmark. Studies and guidelines in viral hepatitis in Denmark and national surveillance data were reviewed. The incidence of acute hepatitis A has declined since 1980 and was 0.2/105 in 2011. The majority of cases are imported by children of foreign origin. The incidence of acute hepatitis B has also been declining; the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B is estimated to be 0.24% of the adult population and genotype D is the most prevalent. The majority of patients with chronic hepatitis B are immigrants from high incidence regions and co-infection with hepatitis D is rare. The prevalence of hepatitis C is 0.38% of the adult population and the majority has been infected through 4 drug use. Genotype 1 is the most prevalent genotype. Hepatitis E is a rare and imported condition but a high prevalence of anti-HEV among farmers indicates the infection is an asymptomatic zoonotic infection in Denmark. There are national treatment guidelines for hepatitis B and C and the treatment is provided free of charge to all Danish residents. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended to persons travelling to high incidence countries and persons with chronic hepatitis C. Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended and free of charge to all newborns of HBsAg positive mothers and persons specifically assessed to be at an increased risk. Denmark is a low incidence country for viral hepatitis, but continuous attention is required within risk groups. (Viral Hepatitis Journal 2014; 20(2): 43-48)