Seroprevalence of HbsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HCV in Southern Brazil, 1999-2001

Abstract

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.

Positive serology for viral hepatitis and donor self-exclusion in Southern Brazil

“…The prevalence of positive serology for viral hepatitis found in this study is similar to those reported previously for Brazil by other authors (HBsAg: 0.14-0.78%, anti-HBc: 2.05-13.44%, anti-HCV: 0.34-1.14%) [46][47][48] . The prevalence of hepatitis B markers in Brazil varies greatly by region.…”

Changes in the prevalence, incidence and residual risk for HIV and hepatitis C virus in Southern Brazilian blood donors since the implementation of NAT screening

“…In Brazil, higher HIV prevalence rates among men and those with lower educational levels were reported for both the general population 15 and blood donors 10 , including in the capital of Florianópolis compared with other regions of the State of Santa Catarina 1,16 . The present study showed that the City of Criciúma had the highest HIV and HCV risk among blood donors.…”

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C markers in adolescents in Southern Brazil

“…Although several studies have been conducted on hepatitis B and C, especially on blood banks 6,7,8,9,10,11,12 , there are few studies carried out among the general population 13,14,15 , and due to territorial extension, and cultural and economic differences, the distribution of these diseases in the country differs among regions 16 .…”