Epidemiology of the viral hepatitis B and C in female prisoners of Metropolitan Regional Prison Complex in the State of Goiás, Central Brazil

Abstract

Introduction:Little information regarding hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among Brazilian female prisoners exists. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with HBV and HCV infections and identified viral genotypes among female prisoners in Goiás, Central Brazil. Methods: Women incarcerated in the largest prison in the State of Goiás were invited to participate in the study. All female prisoners were interviewed and tested for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs), against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), and antibody against HCV (anti-HCV) by ELISA. HBsAg and anti-HCV positive samples were tested for HBV DNA and HCV RNA and genotyped, respectively. Results: Participants (n=148; 98.6%) completed the study with an overall HBV prevalence of 18.9%. Age >30 years, a low education level, sex with a sexually transmitted diseases carrier, and a male sexual partner serving in the same penitentiary were associated with HBV infections. Only 24% of the women were anti-HBs positive suggesting previous HBV vaccination. Nine female prisoners (6.1%) were anti-HCV positive. Age >40 years, injecting drug use and length of incarceration were statistically associated with anti-HCV antibodies. Five samples were HCV RNA positive and classified as genotypes 1 (subtypes 1a; n=3 and 1b; n=1) and 3 (subtype 3a; n=1). The HBsAg-reactive sample was HBV DNA positive and genotype A. Conclusions: These findings highlight the necessity of public policies to control hepatitis B and C infections and emphasize the importance of hepatitis B vaccination in prison environments.

Prevalência de hepatite B e fatores associados em internos de sistema prisional

“…(3) The finding was similar to that found in other Brazilian prison complexes, as that of Goiânia (0.7%, CI95% 0.0-4.3) (20) and Mato Grosso do Sul (0.5%, CI95% 0.08-1.9). (21) The serological investigation in the prison of the city of Ribeirão Preto, Southeastern region of Brazil, presented a higher rate (2.4%) because, unlike the findings of this study, behaviors such as the use of injectable drugs and sharing of syringes were shown and strongly associated.…”

Outreach Hepatitis B Vaccination of Female Sex Workers in Central-West Brazil

“…9 Studies of high-risk groups have found rates of 14% in noninjecting drug users and 18.9% in female prison inmates, with serological evidence of previous hepatitis B vaccination in 8% and 24% of these groups, respectively. 10,11 Hepatitis B vaccination is considered the primary means of preventing infection. In Brazil, the National Immunization Program has offered the hepatitis B vaccine free of charge to populations considered at high risk of developing HBV infection for more than 20 years, and this vaccine is routinely available in primary public care services.…”

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus and Associated Risk Factors among Inmates at New Bell Prison, Douala, Cameroon

“…Prisoners are a high risk population for infectious diseases with a high prevalence for viral hepatitis and HIV. Overall prevalence of HCV infection ranging from 0.2% to 13% has been reported by several studies in Europe [3] [4] [5], North America [6], Latino America [7] and Africa [8] among adult inmates.…”