Prevalence and epidemiology of chronic hepatitis C among prisoners of Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract:In Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, the number of prisoners has increased in the recent years and the control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become more complex. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence and identify the genotypes of HCV in prisoners as well as the factors associated with this infectious disease. Thereby, 443 men and 243 women from prisons were interviewed and subjected to blood collection. Anti-HCV reactive samples were analyzed by RT-PCR and genotyped. The overall seroprevalence of HCV infection was 4.8% (95%CI: 3.4 to 6.8%). Furthermore, the prevalence was higher in: men, injecting drug users, tattooed persons, those who were more than 50 years old, individuals who have been arrested multiple times, people with previous history of sexually transmitted disease (STD), persons who received blood transfusions or those with HIV/AIDS. The prevalence of RNA HCV by PCR was 3.0% (95%CI: 1.7 to 4.2%). Moreover, the coinfection of HIV and HCV was 33.3%. In addition, genotype 1 was the most frequent (85%) followed by genotype 3 (15%). The screening strategy for HCV and other infectious diseases in inmates is important as it establishes an early diagnosis, opportunity for treatment and allows the breaking of the transmission chain.

Hepatitis C in prisons

“…The lower prevalence of HCV infection in prison population in the study by Pompilio et al (1) in comparison with previous Brazilian works may be related to improvement in access to educational materials and harm reduction programs (1,9). Harm reduction is the core activity for controlling risky behaviors -such as sharing syringes -among infected persons whereas noninfected ones may be offered other supportive services to prevent the spread of HCV and HIV.…”

“…I read the article by Pompilio et al (1) in your journal. Indeed, incarceration is a major risk factor for blood-borne infection among intravenous drug users (IDUs) (2,3).…”

“…It is also worth mentioning blood transfusion history in prisoners particularly due to surgeries, which is significantly more common in HCV positive group, as a risk factor for contamination (1,15). Similarly, hospital admission, experimental dental treatment and extramarital sexual contact should be considered risk factors for HCV transmission (15).…”

Hepatitis C and associated risks in prisons: an integrative review Hepatite C e riscos associados em presídios: uma revisão integrativa

“…In addition, low levels of schooling, lack of knowledge about hepatitis C, large numbers and long periods of imprisonment are factors associated with increased occurrence of infection. 7 In order to contribute to this discussion, the present study had as objective to know the current scientific production on the prevalence of hepatitis C and associated risks in the national and international prisons, through an integrative review of the literature.…”

“…17 Other risk factors such as the presence of tattoos, age, blood transfusion and risky sexual practices were identified in some studies. 7,12,8 In a study carried out in Mato Grosso do Sul prisons, with 443 men and 243 women, the seroprevalence of HCV infection was 4.8%, with a higher prevalence among men, injecting drug users, tattooed people, those with more than 50 year-old individuals who were arrested several times, people with previous history of sexually transmitted disease (STD), people who received blood transfusions or those with HIV/AIDS. 7 HCV infection is primarily acquired parenterally through transfusion of infected blood, rupture of the skin or mucosal continuity, through infected medical equipment, injecting drug use, hemodialysis, or transplanted organs.…”