The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a population of
recyclable waste collectors (n = 431) was assessed using a cross-sectional
survey in all 15 cooperatives in the city of Goiânia, Central-West Brazil. The
HCV prevalence was 1.6% (95% confidence interval: 0.6-3.6) and a history of
sexually transmitted infections was independently associated with this
infection. HCV RNA (corresponding to genotype 1; subtypes 1a and 1b) was
detected in five/seven anti-HCV-positive samples. Although the study population
reported a high rate (47.3%) of sharps and needle accidents, HCV infection was
not more frequent in recyclable waste collectors than in the general Brazilian
population.
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