ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Introduction: Infections caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are a major public health problem. Objectives: The study aimed to detect HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HCV among health professionals and users of the Brazilian Unified Health System [Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS)] in the city of Resende, Rio de Janeiro, and to describe the sociodemographic profile and background of exposure. Methods: A total of 585 samples were collected between May and June 2014, obtained from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System [Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN)] data, which were tested for HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HCV. Results: The predominant age group observed was 30-44 years (n = 277; 47.3%), 54.87% (n = 321) were female and 271 (46.32%) self declared skin colour/ethnicity white. The married participants were 262 (44.78%), 42.22% graduated from high school (n = 247) and 174 were health professionals (29.74%). Four participants were anti-HCV reagents and 18 were anti-HBc reagents. From these, 15 participants were reactive for anti-HBs antibodies. Among health professionals, 68.8% were anti-HBs positive. And 63.9% of participants declared to be vaccinated against hepatitis B. Conclusion: The prevalence of 0.68% for HCV and 3.08% for anti-HBc are below that detected in the Southeast region from the last census in the capitals of Brazil. There is still a reduced acceptance among health professionals for HBV and HCV screening.
RESUMO Introdução: As infecções causadas pelo vírus da hepatite B (VHB) e C (VHC) constituem grave problema de saúde pública. Objetivos: O estudo visou detectar os marcadores HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs e anti-VHC em profissionais de saúde e usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) no município de Resende, Rio de Janeiro, bem como descrever o perfil sociodemográfico e os antecedentes de exposição. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 585 amostras entre maio e junho de 2014, obtidas dos dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). Elas foram testadas para HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs e anti-VHC. Resultados: A faixa etária predominante observada foi de 30-44 anos (n = 277; 47,3%); 54,87% (n = 321) eram do sexo feminino e 271 (46,32%) se autodeclararam de cor da pele/etnia branca. Os participantes casados foram 262 (44,78%); 42,22% tinham o ensino médio (n = 247) e 174 eram profissionais de saúde (29,74%). Quatro participantes eram anti-VHC reagentes e 18, reagentes para anti-HBc. Destes, 15 eram anti-HBs reagentes (aHBs+). Nos profissionais de saúde, 68,8% possuem aHbs+. Em relação à vacinação contra hepatite B, 63,9% declararam possuí-la. Conclusão: As prevalências 0,68% de VHC e de 3,08% de anti-HBc estão abaixo da detectada na região Sudeste no último censo nas capitais do Brasil. Há ainda reduzida adesão dos profissionais de saúde à testagem para VHB e VHC.
ABSTRACT
The prevalence of infection by hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses varies among geographical regions. In order to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in voluntary blood donors we evaluated the prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HCV markers of 128,497 blood donor samples collected from 1998 to 2005 in the state of Rio de Janeiro. These markers were analyzed by immunoenzymatic tests, as determined by the Ministry of Health. Data were obtained from the Sorology Laboratory of the Hemoterapy Service of the Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro. Overall prevalence estimates were: 0.27 percent for HBsAg, 3.68 percent for anti-HBc, and 0.90 percent for anti-HCV. There was a significant decrease in the overall prevalence of HBsAg (from 0.36 to 0.14 percent) and anti-HBc (from 6.12 to 2.05 percent) in the period encompassed between 1998-2005. Similarly, there was a decline in anti-HCV prevalence rates in Brazilian blood donors, from 1.04 percent in 1998 to 0.79 percent in 2004, with an increase of HCV prevalence to 1.09 percent in 2005. These prevalence estimates were higher than those found in other countries, indicating high rates of infection by HBV and HCV and a persistent risk of HBV and HCV transmission by transfusion.