Abstract
ABSTRACT.In Salvador, which is the capital of the Brazilian state of Bahia, it has been estimated that 1.5% of the general population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV); however, the circulation of HCV throughout the state remains unknown. The present retrospective study aimed to determine anti-HCV seroprevalence and describe the geographic distribution of hepatitis C in Bahia. Data from HCV serological tests submitted to the Bahia Central Laboratory of Public Health between 2004 and 2013 were analyzed. Serology for HCV was performed using the AxSYM anti-HCV enzymatic microparticle immunoassay and chemiluminescence immunoassay. A subgroup of samples with detectable HCV-RNA was genotyped using the linear array hepatitis C virus genotyping assay. A total of 247,837 samples were analyzed. The median age of the studied population was 31 years (interquartile range, 25–44 years), and the female:male ratio was 3.9:1. The global seroprevalence of HCV in Bahia was estimated to be 1.3% (3,230/247,837), corresponding to an infection rate of 21.2/100,000 inhabitants. The seroprevalence of HCV was higher among males and increased with age. The presence of anti-HCV antibodies was detected throughout all mesoregions of Bahia, and the municipality with the highest infection rate was Ipiaú (112.04 cases/100,000 inhabitants). Genotypes 1 and 3 were found to be the most prevalent, followed by genotypes 2, 4, and 5. Our results provide evidence of the widespread distribution of previous HCV infection throughout the state of Bahia.
Highlights
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is mainly transmitted through the use of contaminated needles, syringes, and instruments used for injection and skin-piercing procedures.[1]
In Salvador, which is the capital of the Brazilian state of Bahia, it has been estimated that 1.5% of the general population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV); the circulation of HCV throughout the state remains unknown
The data obtained during the present study demonstrate that the overall seroprevalence of HCV antibodies was 1.3% (3,230/247,837)
Summary
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is mainly transmitted through the use of contaminated needles, syringes, and instruments used for injection and skin-piercing procedures.[1]. It has been estimated that 71 million people worldwide are chronically infected with HCV. A significant number of chronically infected individuals are at risk for cirrhosis or liver cancer.[5] In Brazil, a national population-based study conducted in the capitals estimated that the overall seroprevalence of anti-HCV antibodies is 1.38%.6. The prevalence of this infection varies according to the geographical region and group studied. The groups at most significant risk for infection are intravenous drug users,[7] individuals undergoing predialysis,[8] individuals with coagulation disorders, and individuals with chronic renal failure.[9] Other groups such as health waste handlers,[10] those undergoing hemodialysis,[11] incarcerated individuals,[12] and pregnant women[13] have higher prevalence rates than individuals in the general population. Despite low frequencies of HCV infection, sex workers,[14] Amerindians from six tribes in the Eastern Amazon region,[15] and military personnel[16] all have higher rates than blood donors.[17]
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