Epidemiological survey of hepatitis C in a region considered to have high prevalence: the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is affected by demographic, virological, clinical, and lifestylerelated factors and varies in different regions in Brazil or worldwide. The present study aimed to clarify the epidemiological patterns of HCV infection in the interior region of Brazil. Methods: This study was conducted in the Southern Triangle Macro-region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, according to the guidelines of the National Program for the Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis. The participants answered a structured questionnaire on social and epidemiological factors.Immunochromatographic rapid tests were used for the qualitative detection of antibodies against HCV in whole blood (Alere HCV® Code 02FK10) in adult subjects by a free-standing method. Results: Of 24,085 tested individuals, 184 (0.76%) were anti-HCV positive. The majority of anti-HCV-positive individuals were born between 1951 and 1980 (n=146 [79.3%]), with 68 women and 116 men. Identified risk factors included syringe and/or needle sharing (p = 0.003), being in prison (p = 0.004), and having tattoos or piercings (p = 0.005) and were significantly associated with the decade of birth. Conclusions: The study shows the importance of testing populations at risk for HCV infection, including incarcerated individuals, those with tattoos or piercings, those who share or have shared syringes or needles, and those in high-risk birth cohorts (1950s, 1960s, and 1970s) in the Southern Triangle Macro-region.

Experiência no gerenciamento de pesquisa-ação sobre inquérito de hepatite C junto à comunidade carcerária

“…O Programa de Ampliação de Diagnóstico da Hepatite C do HC-UFTM vem realizando projetos de pesquisa, ensino e extensão desde 2014, com o intuito de diagnosticar e oferecer tratamento para hepatite C na macrorregião do Triângulo Sul de Minas Gerais, além de capacitar as equipes da atenção básica para identificar os grupos de risco e acolher os indivíduos reagentes para o anti-HCV. Desde então já foram testadas mais de 30 mil pessoas, com prevalência encontrada de 0,7% do anticorpo contra o HCV 7 .…”

Experience in managing action research on hepatitis C survey in the prison community

“…The HC-UFTM Hepatitis C Diagnosis Expansion Program has been carrying out research, teaching, and extension projects since 2014 to diagnose and offer treatment for Hepatitis C in the macro-region of the Southern Triangle of Minas Gerais and train PHC teams to identify risk groups and receive individuals reactive to anti-HCV. More than 30,000 people have been tested since, with a prevalence of 0.7% of the antibody against HCV 7 .…”

Diagnóstico precoce da hepatite C pela atenção primária à saúde

“…Em investigação recente, 24.085 adultos residentes na Macrorregião do Triângulo Sul no estado de Minas Gerais foram testados para o anticorpo Anti-HCV, sendo encontrada prevalência de 0,76%. A maioria dos indivíduos positivos eram nascidos entre 1951 e 1980, e os grupos de risco mais prevalentes foram aqueles que compartilhavam agulhas e seringas para uso de drogas e/ou medicamentos, estão ou já estiveram privado de liberdade e possuiam tatuagens ou piercings 14 .…”