Reply to: Comments on “Risk of parenterally transmitted hepatitis following exposure to invasive procedures in Italy: SEIEVA surveillance 2000-2021”

Cases of parenterally transmitted acute viral hepatitis in the elderly population, that are difficult to explain by the most recognized risk factors, continue to bde diagnosed in Italy. Based on the Italian SEIEVA surveillance of acute viral hepatitis data, the study highlights an increased risk of acquiring hepatitis B and C following exposure to invasive procedures, which might explain the cases in elderly individuals. Furthermore, this finding emphasises the need to observe universal precautions strictly, in healthcare settings, also in case of minor surgery procedures.