Prestileo T, Di Marco V, Dino O, et al. - Migrants from Africa are at risk of contracting viral infections during their journey. Researchers herein investigated risk factors for contracting hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections.

• A total of 2,639 of 2,751 (95.9%) migrants who arrived in western Sicily were offered early screening for infections.

• A questionnaire administered to evaluate risk factors was completed by 1,911 migrants (72.4%).

• 257 (9.7%) migrants were positive for HBsAg, 24 (0.9%) were anti-HCV positive and 57 (2.2%) had HIV infection.

• Women and people who endured physical and/or sexual violence had higher prevalence of HBV infection, while higher prevalence of HIV infection was noted among women who were in Libya for a long period and endured physical and/or sexual violence.

• HCV infection was observed in correlation with age more than 18.

• There were 77% of 57 individuals with HIV infection who remained in care, 79% of 70 chronic HBV hepatitis cases who initiated nucleot(s)ide analogues and 61% of 18 HCV-RNA positive cases who were provided direct-acting antiviral therapy.

• Overall infectious disease screening programs for migrants were effective and feasible.