Hepatitis and HIV infections present among Spain's immigrants

Teo Celestino
Based on statistics and studies, It has been found that immigrants are a big part as a
source of HIV and hepatitis in Spain. However basic conventional testing of newly arrived
immigrants and the administering of medical assistance is usually overlooked.
In 2008, records show that Spain has the biggest number population of immigrants
principally from Equatorial Guinea, a former Spanish Colony located in West Central Africa.
Hence, Spain, a European Union member state has high prevalence of HIV (Human
Immunodeficiency virus) infection, Hepatitis B, D, and HCV (Hepatitis C virus). Based on
statistics a large number of Equatorial Guinea immigrants are seeking help form many Spanish
hospitals for help. Although, Observations show that high prevalence of Human
Immunodeficiency virus and viral hepatitis is not specifically tied to Equatorial Guinea
immigrants but a mixture of a diverse immigrants from other African countries as well.
A study was organized at the tropical medicine unit of Hospital Carlos III in Madrid,
Spain. A large number of immigrants from Equitorial Guinea and other sub-Saharan African
countries were among the study population. Different methods were used to detect viruses
among the immigrants. Immigrants were tested for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency virus)
infection including sub-types of HIV, HIV-1 and HIV-2. They were also tested for CD4+ (cluster
of differentiation 4) or more commonly known as T-cells. Immigrants were also tested for
Hepatitis C , Hepatitis B and Hepatitis D virus. Genotyping system was used among other tests
to determine results needed for the study.
The research was consisted of immigrants numbering to 1,493 subjects of which 1,220
(81.6%) were from Equitorial Guinea and 276 (18.4%) from other sub-Saharan African countries
including 35 different nationalities. Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal, Angola and Mali were the 5
most prevalent countries next to Equitorial Guinea. The study showed that immigrants from
Equitorial Guinea aging 50 and up showed higher number of HIV infections. Women also from
Equitorial Guinea showed compelling numbers of infections compared to other sub-Saharan
countries. Majority of HIV infected immigrants have HIV type 1. The study showed immigrants
from Equitorial Guinea showed HCV seropositivity of 19.2% in cases and 11.6% are viremic.
This is significant because no other cases of viremic HCV were present among other sub-
Saharan countries. The study showed that patients younger than 40 years old showed a higher
number of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. No cases of triple HIV,HBV and HCV co
infections were present among the immigrants.
Test also showed that HCV antibodies were not found in other sub-Saharan countries.
The study showed that some of the cases of HCV infections came from contaminated needle
sticks used in drugs, blood transfusions, medical equipment some of which used by traditional
healers because of their traditional practices. This traditional practices may have contributed to
the large number of infected immigrants.
In conclusion, Immigrants constitute the leading cause of HIV and Hepatitis viruses in
Spain. It has been established that a large number of immigrants who are infected with HIV who
seek care who already know about their HIV positive condition from a developed country such
as Spain where antiviral therapy is provided for free. Hence, it is imperative that strict screening
of this infections and educating the person infected should be closely implemented to prevent
further spread in Spain.
Rivas, P. (2013, January 1). Hepatitis B, C, and D and HIV Infections among Immigrants from Equatorial
Guinea Living in Spain. . Retrieved June 1, 2014