The prevalence of infection by the hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses varies among geographical regions. We evaluated 263,795 blood donor samples collected from 1999-2001 in various cities in the state of Santa Catarina to determine the prevalence of HbsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HCV markers. The markers were analyzed by immunoenzymatic tests, as determined by the Ministry of Health, and the data were obtained from blood banks and from ANVISA (the Brazilian National Agency for Sanitary Vigilance). There was a significant reduction in the mean frequency of HbsAg and anti-HBc during the study period, from 0.98% to 0.64% and from 8.83% to 5.35%, respectively, though they varied considerably among the different regions. There was also a decrease in the mean frequency of anti-HCV, although it was not significant, decreasing from 0.38% to 0.34%. Even with this reduction, the frequency of these markers was still high compared with that found in other countries, indicating high rates of infection by hepatitis B and C viruses. This emphasizes the urgency of vaccination programs against HBV, especially in some regions of Santa Catarina state, in order to reduce the prevalence of this infection and consequently reduce the risk of transmission through sexual relations or from the donation of blood and/or hemocomponents.

These results suggest that abnormalities of antioxidant defence, mainly of SOD activity, are related to the progression of the HIV infection.

The first thrombocytopenia cases related to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were described even before its isolation in 1983. Subsequently, multiple mechanisms have been proposed to elucidate the etiology of thrombocytopenia. In addition to other types of cytopenia affecting patients with HIV, thrombocytopenia is observed in about 10–50% HIV patients as one of the first clinical signs of infection. Thus, in this review we aim to summarize the mechanisms proposed for thrombocytopenia since the discovery of HIV, and especially the innovations in the field in recent years. Among the different mechanisms suggested for HIV-related thrombocytopenia, there is emphasis on the accelerated destruction of platelets (PLTs) due to the action of immune complexes, and the presence of anti-PLT and anti-HIV antibodies that cross-react with the PLT membrane. There are also secondary causes of thrombocytopenia, such as the effect of drugs and opportunistic diseases associated with HIV.

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a matter of concern for blood bank professionals and blood transfusion recipients, especially in cases of transfusions to neonates and immunocompromised patients. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of CMV IgG and IgM antibodies among blood donors in the City of Lages, in the mountain region of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, and to investigate possible associations between the socioeconomic characteristics of donors and CMV serological status. Methods: A seroepidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,045 blood samples from donors that were used in serological screening over a one-year investigation. All the analyses were conducted using the microparticle enzyme immunoassay with Biokit® reagents (Barcelona, Spain), in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Results: Anti-CMV IgG seroprevalence in the sample studied was 96.4% (95% CI: 95.23 -97.50) and that of anti-CMV IgM was 2.3% (95% CI: 1.39 -3.20). There were no statistically significant associations between the presence of antibodies and the socioeconomic characteristics of donors. Conclusions: The blood donors in the study region had high seroprevalence of anti-CMV IgG. Thus, blood component screening strategies and careful indication for blood transfusions require special attention among healthcare professionals as part of the actions for prevention and reduction of primary infections caused by CMV.

Evidence-based strategies to improve the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination coverage rates might help to reduce the burden caused by co-infection with HBV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this study, the aim was to evaluate the vaccination coverage and immunity against HBV among HIV-infected individuals in South Brazil, and identify factors that are associated with compliance patterns and antibody reactivity. Three hundred HIV-infected men and women were included in this survey. The patients answered a standardized questionnaire, and vaccination cards were checked in order to assess hepatitis B vaccine status. A blood sample was collected for quantitative determination of antibody to hepatitis B virus surface antigen (anti-HBs). Participants were also evaluated for their CD4 cell count and HIV viral load. The overall vaccination coverage of HBV vaccination found in this study (57.4%) was lower than that was previously reported in South Brazil. Anti-HBs levels >10IU/L were observed in 47.0% of the studied population. A significant inequality in the coverage rates and antibody reactivity was found in favor of patients with better economic status. In conclusion, the results indicate the need for improvement in the HBV vaccination coverage among HIV carriers, in particular focusing on low-income individuals.