High prevalence of hepatitis markers in immigrant populations: a prospective screening approach in a real-world setting.

BACKGROUND: Immigrant populations are believed to be more frequently infected with hepatitis viruses. However, limited unbiased data are available on immigrants outside of academic centres. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform large-scale screening for hepatitis markers in primary care centres treating mainly individuals with a migrational background in Germany. METHODS: Between November 2010 and January 2012, we prospectively screened 1313 individuals treated by general practitioners at eight primary care centres in North-western Germany. Patients were eligible if they or their parents were not born in Germany. Serological screening for hepatitis B core protein antibodies, hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAgs), and anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies was performed in each individual. HBsAg-positive and anti-hepatitis C virus-positive patients were further tested for molecular markers of viral replication. RESULTS: The mean age was 49.1±15.8 years. Of the patients, 45.7% were male; 87.3% had migrated to Germany from the Eastern Mediterranean area and 12.0% from Eastern Europe. Of the patients, 32.5% tested positive for hepatitis B core protein antibodies. HBsAgs were found in 3.6% of patients. Overall, hepatitis B virus DNA was detected in 2.2% of patients. Markers for hepatitis C virus infection were found in an almost similar high frequency (1.9%). Individuals with migrational background showed significant deficits in knowledge on general routes of transmission. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis virus infections are indeed significantly more prevalent in immigrant populations as compared with the general German population. These data underline the importance of introducing screening programs in this particular risk group.

Capsule colonoscopy increases uptake of colorectal cancer screening.

BACKGROUND: Screening colonoscopy effectiveness is hampered by limited adherence by the general population. The present prospective study was performed to evaluate whether adding capsule colonoscopy to the endoscopic screening options increases uptake. METHODS: Invitation letters were sent to 2150 persons above the age of 55 insured with a German medical insurance company in the area of Rinteln, Lower Saxony with a baseline spontaneous annual screening colonoscopy uptake of 1 %. Both capsule or conventional colonoscopy were offered. Interested persons were given information about the two screening options by four local gastroenterologists and examinations were then performed according to screenees' final choice. RESULTS: 154 persons sought further information, and 34 and 90 underwent conventional and capsule colonoscopy, respectively. Colonoscopy uptake was thus increased by the invitation process by 60 % (1.6 % vs. 1 %; p = 0.075), while the option of capsule endoscopy led to a fourfold increase of screening uptake (4.2 % vs. 1 %, p < 0.001). Despite similar age distribution in both sex groups, uptake in men was significantly higher (5.6 % vs. 2.8 %, p = 002). However, overall adenoma yield was not different in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that offering the option of capsule colonoscopy increases uptake of endoscopic colorectal cancer screening. However, capsule endoscopy sensitivity for adenoma detection needs to be improved.