Seroprevalence Of Viral Hepatitis Research Articles

Investigation of the change in seroprevalence of viral hepatitis in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment over the years: A Single-Center Study

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate HBV, HCV, and HIV seroprevalence and their 9-year changes in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) treatment in the Giresun province in Turkey. Material-Methods: A total of 607 patients over the age of 18 who received hemodialysis treatment in Giresun – Turkey, provincial and district hospitals in 2013 and 2022 were included in our study. The files of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic characteristics of the patients and serology results of HBV, HCV, HDV, and HIV were recorded. The data was evaluated using the IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 program. Results: A total of 607 patients, 385 of whom received HD treatment in 2013 and 222 who received HD treatment in 2022, were included in the study. 230 (59.7%) in 2013 and 135 (60.8%) in 2022 of male patients. While the mean age of the patients was 60.26±14 years in 2013, it was 63.08±13.18 years in 2022. In 2013, HBsAg positivity was detected in 9 (2.3%), HBV-DNA positivity in 4 (44.4%), anti-HCV positivity in 31 (8.1%), and HCV-RNA positivity in 8 (25.8%) patients. In 2022, HBsAg positivity was detected in 4 (1.8%), HBV DNA positivity in 2 (50%), and anti-HCV positivity in 31 (8.1%) patients. Compared with dialysis duration, the anti-HCV positivity rate was significantly increased in patients with long dialysis duration (p<0.001). Conclusion: In line with the health policies, the epidemiological data obtained support a decrease in the population’s seroprevalence of HBV and HCV. However, according to the results of our study, it was determined that there was no significant decrease in HBsAg seroprevalence in patients who received HD treatment over nine years. As a result, it was concluded that it would be beneficial to closely monitor the seroprevalence of viral hepatitis in patients receiving HD treatment.

Seroprevalence of Viral Hepatitis C on Donations of Blood at Moulay Ismail Military Hospital in Meknes

Introduction: Hepatitis C is an infection with hepatocellular tropism, transmitted by the hepatitis C virus via fecal-oral, parenteral or mother-to-child transmission. Her active chronic carriage may be the cause of cirrhosis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HCV in blood donations collected at the Moulay Ismail military hospital in Meknes in order to protect the recipients. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 8639 military blood donors. All donors have gone through a pre-screening stage involving an anamnesis and pre-donation clinical examination associated with a biological screening performed by the 4th generation recombinant ELISA and confirmed on the Abott Architect system. Result: The study is focused on 8639 blood donors, mostly male, with extreme ages of 18 to 56 years. We found an HCV seroprevalence of 0.17%. No case of co-infection has been recorded. Discussion and conclusion: The HCV seroprevalence rate in our series remains relatively low in comparison with the data of the literature, this could be related to the campaigns of sensitization, to the exposure of the preventive measures for the military population as well as to the success of the pre-selection stage at Moulay Ismail hospital in Meknes.

Serological Evidence and Associated Factors of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Among Waste Handlers: A Cross-Sectional Study from Northeastern Ethiopia.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified viral hepatitis, caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), as one of the main global public health issues. People who work in the collection of waste materials, from either household or medical environments, are at greatest risk. To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with HBV and HCV among medical and domestic waste handlers in Northeast Ethiopia. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2021 at selected healthcare facilities and municipal settings in Dessie town, Northeast Ethiopia. The sample size was determined using a double population proportion formula, and a simple random sampling technique was employed to select 70 individuals in the medical waste handlers (MWHs) group and 206 in the domestic waste handlers (DWHs) group. Five milliliters of venous blood was collected from each participant and tested for HBV and HCV using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23; the prevalence was computed, Fisher's exact test was used, and logistic regression was applied. A total of 276 study participants were enrolled and the overall seroprevalence of hepatitis virus was 5.1%. The seroprevalence of HBV infection among MWHs and DWHs was 8.6% and 1.9%, respectively. The overall seroprevalence of HCV infections among MWHs and DWHs was 4.3% and 0.5%, respectively. Medical waste handling, having a history of needle stick injury, and not using personal protective equipment were factors significantly associated with HBV infection. The overall seroprevalence of viral hepatitis was high. The prevalence of HBV infection among MWHs was in line with the high endemicity classification of the WHO, and there was a significant difference in prevalence between DWHs and MWHs. Both groups of waste handlers should receive proper attention to protect them from HBV and HCV infection.

Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B, C and E in TB patients from the Republic of Moldova

Introduction. For the first time, in the Republic of Moldova, there was established the seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B, C and E markers in patients with tuberculosis depending on gender, age and geographical areas.
 Material and methods. 200 blood samples were collected from patients with tuberculosis and tested by the immuno-fermentative method for presence of viral hepatitis B, C and E markers.
 Results. Following the investigations, it was established that the seroprevalence of the anti-HEV Ig marker in patients with tuberculosis is 12.0±2.3%. The seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B marker HBsAg in patients with tuberculosis was 13.5±2.4%, and that of viral hepatitis C anti-HCV – 9.0±2.0%. The study of investigations results for the presence of nominated markers depending on the geographical areas showed a significant statistically difference in the seroprevalence of the anti-HEV IgG marker in TB patients in the Central area of the country compared to the Southern area(p<0.05).
 Conclusions. Patients with tuberculosis have a higher risk of developing viral hepatitis B, C and E, mainly affecting people aged 40-49 and > 60 years, including males.

Seroprevalence of Viral Hepatitis B and C among Blood Donors at the Agadir Regional Transfusion Center

Seroprevalence of Viral Hepatitis B and C among Blood Donors at the Agadir Regional Transfusion Center

Seroprevalence of Viral Hepatitis B and C among Blood Donors in the Northern Region of Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Hepatitis B and C viral infections, which are the most common cause of liver infection worldwide, are major health issues around the globe. People with chronic hepatitis infections remain at risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatic carcinoma, while also being a risk to other diseases. These infections are highly contagious in nature, and the prevention of hepatitis B and C transmission during blood transfusion is a major challenge for healthcare workers. Although epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis B and C infections in blood donors in Saudi Arabia have been previously investigated in multiple studies, due to targeted cohorts and the vast geographical distribution of Saudi Arabia, there are a lot of missing data points, which necessitates further investigations. Aim of the study: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viral infections among blood donors in the northern region of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: To determine the given objectives, a retrospective study was performed which included data gathered from serological as well as nucleic acid test (NAT) screening of blood donors. Clinical data of 3733 blood donors were collected for a period of 2 years (from January 2019 to December 2020) at the blood bank of King Khalid General Hospital and the associated blood banks and donation camps in the region. Statistical analysis of the clinical data was performed using SPSS. Results: The blood samples of 3733 donors were analyzed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C among the blood donors in the northern region of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Among the total of 3733 blood donors, 3645 (97.65%) were men and 88 (2.36%) were women. Most of the donors were younger than 27 years of age (n = 1494). The most frequent blood group in our study was O-positive (n = 1534), and the least frequent was AB-negative (n = 29). After statistically analyzing the clinical data, we observed that 7 (0.19%), 203 (5.44%) and 260 (6.96%) donor blood samples were positive for the HBV serological markers HBsAgs, HBsAbs and HBcAbs, respectively, and 12 (0.32%) blood samples reacted positively to anti-HCV antibodies. Moreover, 10 (0.27%) and 1 (0.027%) samples were NAT-HBV positive and NAT-HCV positive, respectively. Conclusion: In the current study, low prevalence rates of HBV and HCV were observed in the blood donors. Statistical correlations indicated that both serological tests and NATs are highly effective in screening potential blood donors for HBV and HCV, which, in turn, prevents potential transfusion-transmitted hepatitis.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection, anti-HCV antibodies and HIV and knowledge among people who use drugs attending methadone therapy clinic in Tanzania; a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMethadone therapy clinics have been recently introduced in Tanzania, aiming at reducing risk behaviors and infection rates of viral hepatitis and HIV among people who use drugs. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence, associated factors and knowledge level of these conditions among people who use drugs attending a methadone clinic in Tanzania.MethodsWe enrolled 253 People who using drugs receiving Methadone therapy. Clinical data was retrospectively collected from the medical records and face-to face interviews were conducted to determine the behavioral risk factors and respondents’ knowledge on viral hepatitis and HIV.ResultsAn overall seroprevalence of viral hepatitis (either hepatitis B surface antigen or anti-hepatitis C virus) was 6.3%, while that of hepatitis B virus mono infection was 3.5% and anti-hepatitis C antibodies was 3.5%. Seroprevalence of HIV was 12.6%. Viral hepatitis was strongly predicted by advanced age (> 35 years) (p = 0.02) and staying at Kirumba area (p = 0.004), and HIV infection was predicted by increased age (> 37 years) (p = 0.04) and female sex (p < 0.001). Regarding the knowledge of viral hepatitis, majority of the respondents were unaware of the transmission methods and availability of hepatitis B virus vaccines and only 17% were classified as well informed (provided ≥4 correct answers out of 7 questions). Good knowledge was highly predicted by higher education level of the individual (p = 0.001).ConclusionsDespite the efforts to curb viral hepatitis and HIV infections through Methadone clinics, infection rates among people who use drugs are still high and the general knowledge on preventive measures is inadequate.

Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B and C in two populations: blood donors and patients with suspected hepatic cirrhosis in Kwilu province, Democratic Republic of Congo

IntroductionHepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality in the developing world. The global mortality caused by viral hepatitis is higher than that caused by HIV infection. Screening of two different populations – blood donors and patients with suspected hepatic cirrhosis – can help to estimate the seroprevalence in the population and what the burden of the infection is on liver disease. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, descriptive study performed in Vanga, a rural region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Data were used from 2016 to 2018 for blood donors, and patients with ascites and abnormal liver ultrasound. ResultsA total of 3,497 blood donors were recruited, among whom 92.5% were male; 3% were positive for HCV antibodies; 3.4% were positive for HBsAg; and 0.4% for HBsAg and HCV, respectively. There were 190 patients with suspected cirrhosis on ultrasound: 71 (37.4%) were female and 119 (62.4%) male; 32.6% and 10.6% were positive for HBV and HCV, respectively; 2.6% were co-infected with HBV and HCV. ConclusionBlood donors and patients with ascites and liver abnormalities were frequently infected by HBV, HCV, and/or HIV in a rural region of the DRC. Detection is essential for limiting the risk of transmission and treating those infected.

Seroprevalence of Viral Hepatitis B and C and Knowledge of the Hepatitis B Virus among Pregnant Women Attending Prenatal Care in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Viral hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) can significantly influence maternal and child health. Although HIV infection, malaria, and syphilis in pregnant women are likely to be systematically screened for and managed according to national guidelines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, there is no plan for HBV and HCV. Furthermore, there is no documentation regarding pregnant women's knowledge about HBV and HCV. This situation has motivated the researchers to undertake the current study, which was designed to estimate the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV. We have also assessed knowledge of the HBV infection among pregnant women who consulted for antenatal care for the first time at Vanga Evangelical Hospital in Vanga. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 457 pregnant women who attended antenatal care. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and previous medico-surgical data, as well as information related to women's HBV knowledge, were collected using a questionnaire. Rapid tests were used to detect HBV surface antigen and HCV antibodies. Most pregnant women were aged 20-24 years. Only 6.8% of respondents had knowledge of HBV, and the main source of this knowledge was health facilities (4.6%). Only 0.7% reported having been tested, whereas 98.5% said that they had not been offered a test. Overall, 18 (3.9%) participants were HBV positive and 22 (4.8%) were positive for HCV. There is limited knowledge about HBV and HCV among pregnant women in rural Vanga. All pregnant women should be screened during antenatal care, and a well-implemented program of management is needed.

High seroprevalence of viral hepatitis among animal handlers in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Viral hepatitis is a deadly disease which can manifest as acute, chronic, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. Information about hepatitis is scarce among animal handlers. Due to Federal Government of Nigeria diversification programmes, many people are now involved in animal farming which can make them susceptible to viral hepatitis. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of Hepatitis B, C, and E viruses among animal handlers in Abeokuta, southwestern Nigerian. A total of 156 subjects were recruited for the study. Sociodemographic and risks factors data were fetched from subjects using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were collected via venepuncture and tested for HCV, HBV, and HEV using ELISA technique. Results were analyzed using SPSS software version 21.0 and P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. The prevalence of HCV, HBV, and HEV were 46 (29.5%), 20 (12.8%), and 4 (2.6%) respectively while 6 (3.8%), 1 (0.6%), and 1 (0.6%) had co-infection of HBV-HCV, HBV-HEV, and HCV- HEV respectively. This study concludes that there is high prevalence of hepatitis C and B viruses among animal handlers in Abeokuta, Ogun state which is of significant public health problem, warranting further attention and research.

HIV Pozitif Olgularda Viral Hepatit ve Sifiliz Koinfeksiyonu Seroprevalansının İrdelenmesi

HIV Pozitif Olgularda Viral Hepatit ve Sifiliz Koinfeksiyonu Seroprevalansının İrdelenmesi

Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B and its associated factors determined based on data from a screening campaign targeting the general population in Benin

Introductionl´hépatite B est un problème mondial de santé publique. Le but de cette étude était de déterminer la prévalence et les facteurs associés au portage du virus de l´hépatite B (VHB) à l´occasion d´un dépistage de masse dans plusieurs localités réparties sur le territoire béninois.Méthodesil s´agissait d´une étude transversale descriptive et analytique avec une collecte prospective de données. Cette collecte avait eu lieu du 20 au 28 juillet 2019 à l´occasion d´un dépistage volontaire gratuit de l´hépatite B organisé au Bénin par les Club Rotary sur 23 sites répartis sur tout le territoire national. Un test rapide d´orientation diagnostique avait été utilisé pour la détection de l´Antigène HBs.Résultatsen tout, 9035 volontaires étaient inclus, pour la plupart de nationalité Béninoise (99%), avec un âge médian de 27 ans, dont 51,1% de célibataires et principalement des écoliers, élèves ou étudiants (37,9%). La séroprévalence du VHB était de 6% (545/9035) [IC95%, 5%-6, 5%]. Les facteurs associés au portage de l´Ag HBs étaient, en analyse univariée: l´âge, le sexe, le statut matrimonial, le niveau d´étude, la profession et les antécédents de diabète, de scarification et d´hépatite C; et en analyse multivariée: le sexe, l´âge, et le niveau d´étude.Conclusionla séroprévalence du VHB est de 6% dans la population étudiée. L´infection par le VHB semble toucher volontiers les sujets de sexe masculin, âgés de plus de 17 ans, et ayant un niveau d´étude secondaire.

Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses in the Hormozgan province southern Iran

BackgroundViral hepatitis is a global public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide, causing thousands of deaths due to acute and persistent infection, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Providing updated serologic data can improve both surveillance and disease control programs. This study is aimed to determine the seroprevalence of markers for viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D and E) and the epidemiology of such infections in the general population of southern Iran’s Hormozgan province.MethodsBetween 2016 and 2017, a total of 562 individuals with ages ranging from 1 to 86 years, who visited governmental public laboratories for routine check-ups, were tested for the presence of serological markers to hepatitis virus types A to E using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.ResultsThe overall anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibody seroprevalence was 93.2% (524/562). The prevalence of anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibodies was 15.8% (89/562) among which 1.6% (9/562) of the seropositive individuals also had evidence of recent exposure to the virus (IgM positivity). Two and a half percent (14/562) were positive for hepatitis B surface (HBs) antigen, whereas 11.6% (65/562) tested positive for anti-hepatitis B core (HBc) antibodies. Among anti-HBc positive patients, 11% (7/65) had HBs Ag and 5% (3/65) were positive for anti-hepatitis D virus (HDV) antibodies. The prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies was 0.7% (4/562). The seroprevalence of anti-HAV, HEV IgG, anti-HBc antibodies, and HBs Ag increased with age.ConclusionThe present study confirms a high seroprevalence of HAV infection among the examined population and reveals high levels of endemicity for HEV in the region. Planned vaccination policies against HAV should be considered in all parts of Iran. In addition, improvements on public sanitation and hygiene management of drinking water sources for the studied area are recommended.

Sero-prevalence of viral hepatitis A in a district of Sri Lanka: a community based cross-sectional study

BackgroundHepatitis A Virus (HAV) is one of the most common food and water borne infectious disease prevailing globally. The objective of the study was to determine sero-prevalence of HAV infection in a district of Sri Lanka.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted on 1403 participants aged 1 year and above selected by multistage stratified (for age group and area of residence) cluster sampling from September 2015 to December, 2016. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data and Anti-IgG testing was done to determine sero-positivity. The overall, the age and sex specific sero-prevalence of HAV were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsOf the 1403 participants 1132 were anti HAV IgG positive. Therefore the overall sero-prevalence of HAV infection was 80.7% (95%CI: 78.64–82.76). There were 283 (20.2%) individuals below the age group of 14 years and below and out of them, 204 had anti HAV IgG, therefore sero-prevalence was 72.1% for that age group. The age group 15 years and aboe comprised of 1120 (79.8%) participants and of them 928 had anti HAV IgG, making sero-prevalence 82.9%. The lowest sero-prevalence (66.9%, n = 232) was observed in the age group of 11–20 years followed by 21–30 age group. From age 31 years onwards, the sero-prevalence exceeded 90%, reaching 100% after 71 years. The urban population showed a sero-prevalence of 83% (n = 195) and 80.2% (n = 937) for the rural sector while females had a sero-prevalence of 82.2% (n = 766) and it was 77.7% (n = 366) for males. Thirty-four (3.0%) participants who had sero-positive results (n = 1132) claimed that they have had HAV in the past.ConclusionsOverall, four fifth of the population was immune to HAV infection in the district of Gampaha.

Trends in hepatitis B and hepatitis C seroprevalence among blood donors - Haiti, 2005-2014.

Data on the seroprevalence of viral hepatitis are limited in Haiti; consequently, the epidemiology is poorly described. This study aims to provide a descriptive analysis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence of blood donations in Haiti. Using Haiti's National Blood Safety Program and Haitian Red Cross reports from 2005 to 2014, we analysed the results of screening tests of donor serum samples to assess HBV and HCV seroprevalence among adults aged 17 to 65 years. A total of 198 758 donor samples were screened from 2005 to 2014, of which 0·56% were positive for antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) and 3·80% were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. Over the 10-year study period, anti-HCV seroprevalence among blood donors increased by 31% from 0.66% to 0.86% (95% CI: 1·01-1·70); however, this trend was not uniform over time, with a significant decrease from 0·66% in 2005 to 0·39% in 2009 (95% CI: 0·43- 0·82) and 0·43% in 2012 (95% CI: 0·50-0·90). Conversely, HBV decreased significantly by 13% from 3·95% in 2005 to 3·42% in 2014 (95% CI: 0·77-0·97), a trend that was also observed in 2012 and 2013. The significant, uniform decrease in HBV seroprevalence in more recent years may represent the positive impact of public health interventions in preventing the transmission of blood-borne infections. More research is needed to understand why the trends in HCV transmission are non-uniform and to investigate the significant increase in more recent years.

Epidemiological and Evolutionary Profile of HIV-HBV Co-Infected Patients Followed at Ambulatory Treatment Center in Fann Hospital Dakar-Senegal

CONTEXT: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are major global public health problems because of their frequency, complications and probable socio-demographic consequences.Viral hepatitis B is identified as more frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV.The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological and evolutionary profile of HIV-HBV co-infected patients, treated at CTA/CHNU Fann, in Dakar, Senegal.METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study of patients aged at least 18 years, co-infected with HIV-HBV and followed-up at CTA under ART for at least one year from January 2010 to December 2014.RESULTS: The study included 457 patients. 58 of these patients were diagnosed positive, (12.7%) of HIV-HBV prevalence. The average age of patients was 39.62 ± 10.12 years with extremes ranging from 21 to 61 years. The sex ratio was 1.23. (96%) of patients were infected with HIV-1 and those at WHO stages III and IV were (67%). The average CD4 count at baseline was 235 cells/mm3 [3-936]. Plasma HIV viral load average at baseline was 4.1 log copies/ml [3.89-5.12] copies/ml. The average body mass index (BMI) was 21.42 ± 3.82 Kg/m². Fever and degraded general status were respectively (65%) and (60%) followed by hepatomegaly and jaundice. The lethality was 3.45%. Of the 58 patients co-infected with HIV-HBV, 51/58 (87.93%) were under a therapeutic regimen containing Tenofovir/lamivudine or Tenofovir/Emtricitabine and 7 patients under a regimen containing lamivudine. At 48 weeks of treatment a good evolution of the biological parameters was noted: (90%) had a controlled viral load, (91%) a normal transaminase, (79%) a normal serum creatinine. Only 29% had a CD4 cell count &lt;350 cells/mm3.CONCLUSION: The Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B remains relatively high (12.70%) among PLHIV in Dakar. While active search for hepatitis B has been effective in all PLHIV since 2010, overall management remains a challenge as hepatitis B markers and viral DNA assay are not at the reach of patients.

Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B and C among pre-surgical patients in Basrah, Iraq

Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B and C among pre-surgical patients in Basrah, Iraq

Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus in Health Care Personnel in Ibn Sina Hospital, Rabat, Morocco

Risk of infection by hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses remains a permanent problem, not only for health care workers but also for patients. It is often a major public health concern in low incomes countries. The aims of this study were to determine seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV), frequency occurrence of blood exposure accidents (BEA) and identify key risk factors for infection among 601 health care workers of Ibn Sina Hospital in Rabat. In this study nineteen health personnel (3.16%) were HBsAg positive and fifteen (2.50%) were anti-HCV antibodies positive. The seropositivity to hepatitis B and C in the surgical department respectively was 4.22% and 3.45%. Nurses were the most affected by hepatitis virus infections. We noticed that HCV came first with a prevalence of 4.44%. The seropositivity reached its acme within the health staff having practiced for more than 20 years, hepatitis C coming first with a prevalence of 4.27%. Globally, 34 health care personnel are positive for HBV or HCV, 32 among them were victims at least once of blood exposure accident (BEA) while practicing. The needlestick represented 81.25% of the BEA type. Prevalence of hepatitis B and C serologic markers in health care workers in our Hospital outnumbered that of the general population. Nurses, surgery department personnel and the professional having worked for a long time were the main factors behind the high risks of infections.

Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis in jaundiced pregnant women in a teritiary care hospital

Results Of the 128 test serum samples screened, 53.1% were positive for HBsAg, 15.62% were positive for HEV IgM and 3.25% were positive for HAV IgM. None of them were positive for Anti-HCV & Anti-HDV. Among the 68 HBsAg positive pregnant women, the prevalence of HBeAg, anti-HBe, and anti-HBc were 54%, 45.6% and 89%, respectively. Of the 31, HBeAg negative women, 11 had only anti-HBe, 9 were positive for anti-HBe and HBV DNA and 11 were negative for anti-HBe and HBV DNA.

Hepatitis B and C virus infection among Brazilian Amazon riparians

Viral hepatitis is a major public health concern in Brazil. There are few past studies on this issue, especially among riparian communities. This study aims at determining the seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B and C in the riparian community of Pacuí Island, within the Cametá municipality of Pará State, Brazil. Moreover, this study aims to investigate the principal risk factors that this community is exposed to. The current study has accessed blood samples from 181 volunteers who have answered an epidemiological questionnaire. Analyses on serological markers have been tested with commercial ELISA kits for detecting HBsAg, total anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV. Within seroreactive patients for HCV, RT-PCR and line probe assay have been performed to identify the viral genotype. In the serological marker analysis for hepatitis B, no reactivity for HBsAg, rate of 1.1% for total anti-HBc, and rate of 19.3% for anti-HBs have been observed. On hepatitis C, 8.8% seroprevalence has been found, in which 62.5% have gotten viral RNA. Among the risk factors studied, the following have been highlighted: non-use of condoms, sharing of cutting instruments, use of illicit drugs, and reports of family disease with HBV or HCV. The vaccination coverage against HBV is low, and the high prevalence of HCV within this community has been observed.