Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in first-time blood donors in the southwestern region of Goiás, central Brazil

Abstract

Introduction Little is known about the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in populations from inner cities, especially in Central Brazil. Thus the objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HBV infection, and to analyze the factors associated with HBV infection, in a population of first-time blood donors in the southwestern region of Goiás, Central Brazil. Methods A total of 984 individuals were interviewed and gave blood samples to detect serological markers of HBV (HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. Results An overall prevalence of 6.9% was found for HBV, with constituent prevalence rates of 3.6% and 11.6%, in subjects classified as fit and unfit to donate blood according the epidemiological screening, respectively. Only three individuals were positive for anti-HBs alone, suggesting previous vaccination against HBV. The variables of prior blood transfusion (OR = 2.3), tattoo/piercing (OR = 2.1), illicit drug use (OR = 2.3), sex with a partner with hepatitis (OR = 14.7), and history of sexually transmitted diseases (OR = 2.9) were independently associated with HBV-positivity. These data suggested a low endemicity of hepatitis B in the studied population. Conclusion The findings of low hepatitis B immunization coverage and the association of hepatitis B with risky behavior highlight that there is a need to intensify hepatitis B prevention programs in the southwest region of Goiás.

Decrease in hepatitis B prevalence among blood donors in Central-West Brazil

“…Although Brazil is considered a low endemic country, there are areas that are highly endemic for HBV in the Amazon region [5]. In Brazil, among blood donors, the prevalence ranges from 0.3% to 1.5% for HBsAg and from 3.7% to 11.1% for anti-HBc [4,6,7]. …”

Characteristics of an outpatient chronic hepatitis B virus infection cohort

“…On the other hand, a prior Brazilian investigation with 139 patients showed an association between advanced fibrosis and genotype A when compared to D, contradicting data in literature that describes the relation of the latter with a less favorable prognosis. ( 3 , 27 ) It is worth mentioning the presence of a patient with genotype E, which is extremely rare in our midst. ( 11 , 12 , 26 , 28 )…”

“…Já uma pesquisa brasileira prévia com 139 pacientes revelou associação entre fibrose avançada e genótipo A quando comparado ao D, contrariando os dados de literatura que descrevem a relação desse último com prognóstico menos favorável. ( 3 , 27 ) Merece menção a presença de uma paciente com genótipo E, raríssimo em nosso meio. ( 11 , 12 , 26 , 28 )…”

“…( 1 ) In Brazil, in 2010, 104,454 cases were confirmed, with a detection rate of 7.6 per 100 thousand inhabitants, which means a low to moderate incidence of the infection in the country. ( 2 , 3 )…”

“…( 1 ) No Brasil, em 2010, foram confirmados 104.454 casos, com taxa de detecção de 7,6 por 100 mil habitantes, o que remete a uma baixa a moderada incidência da infecção no país. ( 2 , 3 )…”