Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C in Brazilian army conscripts in 2002: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Hepatitis B and C constitute important public health problems worldwide. In Brazil, studies on prevalence of viral hepatitis have local and regional characteristics; consequently it is difficult to define the national epidemiological situation. Our objective was to evaluate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C in conscripts of the Brazilian Army. A transversal study among males aged 17 to 22 years was conducted nationwide. After informed consent, each volunteer filled in a social-behavioral questionnaire and had blood drawn to test for HBsAg and anti-HCV. A total of 7,372 volunteers were evaluated in the second half of 2002. The prevalence of HBsAg was 2.6% (95% confidence interval: 2.2, 3.0) and that of anti-HCV was 1.5% (95% confidence interval: 1.2, 1.8). A wide variation among macro regions and states in the same region was observed for both markers. In conclusion, although this population theoretically had a low risk for HBV and HCV infection, these results are higher than expected for this age range. These findings may indicate a change in the pattern of HBV and HCV transmission in Brazil. Due to the different dynamics of these epidemics, further studies are warranted to confirm these apparent trends.

Prevalence of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C among adults with mental illness: a multicenter study in Brazil

“…Compared to other studies with national samples in Brazil, the prevalence of HIV among our sample was one time higher than pregnant women (0.4%) and almost eight times higher than military recruits (0.09%) 3,5,[12][13][14][15][16][17][18] . In addition,…”

Seroprevalence of HBV and HCV markers among young adult males in the Air Force in Florianópolis, South Brazil

“…Additionally, when compared to seropositivity for HBsAg of 2.6% among 1,006 Brazilian Army conscripts in 2002 (Toledo et al, 2005), our results document a significant reduction in HBsAg seroprevalence, reinforcing the observation that the HBV seroprevalence has significantly decreased after the establishment of hepatitis B vaccination.…”

Prevalence and Risk of Blood-Borne and Sexually Transmitted Viral Infections in Incarcerated Youth in Salvador, Brazil: Opportunity and Obligation for Intervention

“…First, was the greater-than-expected evidence of exposure to HCV and HBV infections. Prevalence of HCV infection was higher (11%) than that seen in young Brazilian army conscripts (1.5%), who are older (17-22 years) and who have had more potential exposure time (Toledo et al 2005). Prevalence of HBV antigenemia, however, was identical for both groups (2.6%).…”