Work

Single-Center Retrospective Study of Hospitalized Hepatitis A Cases in Southern Bulgaria, 2015–2023

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: The hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection continues to represent a considerable public health issue in Eastern Europe, particularly in Bulgaria, where incidence rates exceed the EU average. This study sought to investigate the epidemiological and clinical aspects of acute hepatitis A in Southern Bulgaria between 2015 and 2023 and to assess changes during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: A retrospective descriptive-analytic study was conducted among 1810 hospitalized patients with confirmed acute HAV infection at a tertiary infectious diseases center from 2015 to 2023. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and temporal data were analyzed, comparing the pre-pandemic period (2015–2019) with the pandemic phase (2020–2023). Results: Most hospitalized cases occurred during the pre-pandemic period (88.0%), with epidemic peaks observed in 2016–2017. Individuals under 18 years comprised 69.9% of cases, with a median age of 9 years and a slight male predominance of 54.9%. A notable seasonal pattern was identified, characterized by peaks in autumn and early winter. Patients hospitalized during the pandemic period were significantly older compared with the pre-pandemic period (median age 14 vs. 8 years, p < 0.001). Adults experienced significantly longer hospitalization and higher ALT, AST, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin levels compared with pediatric patients (all p < 0.001). The median duration of hospitalization was 7 days (IQR 6–10). Two in-hospital deaths were recorded, corresponding to a case fatality rate of 0.11%. Conclusions: Hepatitis A in Southern Bulgaria mostly impacts children but exhibits changing epidemiological trends, underscoring the necessity for focused preventative methods, such as vaccination and enhanced surveillance.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare14101428

Authors: Meri Hristamyan, Simona Zlatanova, Vanya Rangelova, Ilia Tsachev

Institutions: Medical University Plovdiv, Trakia University, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Medical University Pleven

Language: English

Topic: Hepatitis Viruses Studies and Epidemiology

Subfield: Hepatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258