Prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis in people of south Asian ethnicity living in England: the prevalence cannot necessarily be predicted from the prevalence in the country of origin

The prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in immigrant communities is unknown. Immigrants from South Asia (SA) are common in England and elsewhere, and the burden of viral hepatitis in these communities is unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of viral hepatitis in immigrants from SA living in England. The authors undertook a community-based testing project among such people at five sites in England. A total of 4998 people attending community centres were screened for viral hepatitis using oral fluid testing.