Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus in Monte Negro in the Brazilian western Amazon region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1807-59322005000100007Keywords:
Brazil, Amazon region, hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Seroprevalence, Immunization programsAbstract
PURPOSE: This study was carried out in Monte Negro (state of Rondônia), a village in the Brazilian western Amazon region, where a University of São Paulo Medical School program for medical student training in rural assistance took place. It aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, to investigate risk factors for infection, and to evaluate the State immunization program against hepatitis B virus in the region. METHODS: The study is a cross-sectional seroprevalence survey, comprising 267 volunteers who answered a comprehensive questionnaire and had blood samples collected, which were analyzed in São Paulo for the presence of antibodies against hepatitis B virus (Hbs Ag, anti-Hbs, and anti-Hbc) and hepatitis C virus using commercial kits. Data were stored in a specific data bank, and the association between seropositivity and potential risk factors was analyzed by means of uni-, bi-, and multi-variate analysis, considering ±5%. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus was 61.79% and of hepatitis C virus was 0.38%. Statistical analysis on the data bank showed that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus rose significantly with age, especially after adolescence. Infection was higher in those coming from outside the state of Rondônia. Exposure to vaccination against hepatitis B virus was higher in younger individuals and in those who were born in Rondônia. CONCLUSION: Monte Negro is a highly endemic region for hepatitis B virus but not for hepatitis C virus. Our results also provide indirect evidence indicating a significant improvement in the immunization program in Rondônia in recent years.Downloads
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Published
2005-02-01
Issue
Section
Original Research
How to Cite
El Khouri, M., Duarte, L. S., Ribeiro, R. B., Silva, L. F. F. da, Camargo, L. M. A., Santos, V. A. dos, Burattini, M. N., & Corbett, C. E. P. (2005). Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus in Monte Negro in the Brazilian western Amazon region . Clinics, 60(1), 29-36. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1807-59322005000100007