[Prevalence of VHB and VHC serological markers among blood donors in the capital state of Veracruz, Mexico]. / Prevalencia de marcadores serológicos de VHB y VHC en donadores de sangre de la ciudad de Veracruz.

BACKGROUND: Chronic liver disease has a high mortality among the Mexican population. However epidemiological data on hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infection in the southeast areas of the country is limited. Our objective was to report the prevalence of blood markers of HBV and HCV among blood donors from the capital city of Veracruz, Mexico. METHODS: Between January and December 2005 we analyzed the results of the screening tests used to detect serological markers of HBV and HCV infection (HBsAg and anti-HCV). We included demographic data of blood donors from the State Center for Blood Transfusion of the capital city of Veracruz. RESULTS: We reviewed 8,650 blood donor reports and found a prevalence of 0.057% and 1.1% for AgsHB and anti-HCV respectively. Only 2.97% of all individuals with a positive test had been previously screened for hepatic viruses. CONCLUSIONS: Results from our study indicate that the central and southeast regions of the state of Veracruz have a high anti-HCV prevalence among blood donors when compared with results from other states in Mexico. Further studies should evaluate risk factors in regions with high HCV seropositivity.

Prevalencia de marcadores serológicos de VHB y VHC en donadores de sangre de la ciudad de Veracruz / Prevalence of VHB and VHC serological markers among blood donors in the capital state of Veracruz, Mexico

Antecedentes: A pesar del impacto de las enfermedades hepáticas en la morbilidad y mortalidad de la población mexicana, existe poca información epidemiológica sobre la infección por virus de la hepatitis B (VHB) y C (VHC) en el sureste de la República mexicana. El objetivo de nuestra investigación fue determinar la prevalencia de marcadores serológicos de VHB y VHC en donadores de sangre del centro y sur de Veracruz. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en el Centro Estatal de la Transfusión Sanguínea de la ciudad de Veracruz, recabando resultados de los marcadores serológicos para VHB y VHC (AgsHb y antiVHC) e información demográfica de los individuos considerados aptos para realizar una donación. Resultados: Se revisaron 8650 registros de individuos, se encontró una seroprevalencia de 0.057 y 1.1% para AgsHB y antiVHC, respectivamente, con variaciones en los diferentes municipios estudiados. Únicamente 2.97% de los individuos seropositivos se había realizado escrutinio previo para la detección de virus hepatotropos. Conclusiones: Los datos indican que la región centro-sureste de Veracruz presenta elevada seroprevalencia antiVHC en donadores de sangre. Se deberá realizar estudios posteriores para determinar los factores de riesgo que la expliquen.

BACKGROUND: Chronic liver disease has a high mortality among the Mexican population. However epidemiological data on hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infection in the southeast areas of the country is limited. Our objective was to report the prevalence of blood markers of HBV and HCV among blood donors from the capital city of Veracruz, Mexico. METHODS: Between January and December 2005 we analyzed the results of the screening tests used to detect serological markers of HBV and HCV infection (HBsAg and anti-HCV). We included demographic data of blood donors from the State Center for Blood Transfusion of the capital city of Veracruz. RESULTS: We reviewed 8,650 blood donor reports and found a prevalence of 0.057% and 1.1% for AgsHB and anti-HCV respectively. Only 2.97% of all individuals with a positive test had been previously screened for hepatic viruses. CONCLUSIONS: Results from our study indicate that the central and southeast regions of the state of Veracruz have a high anti-HCV prevalence among blood donors when compared with results from other states in Mexico. Further studies should evaluate risk factors in regions with high HCV seropositivity.

Gallstones are associated with carotid atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gallstone disease (GD) and cardiovascular disease (CD) are common diseases worldwide with considerable economical impact and they are strongly associated. Carotid atherosclerosis is an excellent marker of risk for CD like stroke and myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to assess the association between gallstones and carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. We evaluated subjects with ultrasonographical evidence of GD and asymptomatic subjects without such evidence. Anthropometric, clinical and biochemical variables were collected. The Metabolic syndrome was evaluated using adult treatment panel III criteria. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) was determined by a standard ultrasound protocol. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) serum levels were measured in all subjects. RESULTS: We studied 191 subjects: 62 subjects with GD (53.2% males) and 129 asymptomatic subjects without GD (65.9% males). Subjects with GD exhibited a higher body mass index, body fat percent, insulin serum levels and CIMT (P<0.05 for all). The prevalence of GD was higher in subjects with a CIMT>0.75 independently of other factors [odds ratio (OR) 2.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-4.34; P=0.039], and for every 0.1 mm increase in CIMT the independent probability to be a case of GD increased by a factor of 1.25 (95% CI 1.02-1.53; P=0.027). IGF-1 levels did not differ among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with GD exhibit greater carotid atherosclerosis, and therefore have a higher risk for stroke and myocardial infarction.

Risk factors and prevalence of hepatitis virus B and C serum markers among nurses at a tertiary-care hospital in Mexico City, Mexico: a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Alcohol consumption and viral infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the first causes of chronic hepatopathy in Mexico. Medical personnel are at high risk of developing HBV and HCV infection because both viruses are transmitted parenteraly. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HCV and HBV infection as well as risk factors in nurses working at Medica Sur Clinic and Foundation. METHODS: The complete nurse staff personal from our hospital was included; a questionnaire of risk factors for HCV and HBV infection was assessed. HBV and HCV infection (anti-HCV anti-HBc, and HBsAg) was determined to all of them. In anti-HCV positive persons HCV genotype and viral load was assessed. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy six nurses where studied, Anti-HBc was positive in 1.6% of all participants, none were positive for HBsAg. 0.8% of all studied population was positive for anti- HCV. Major risk factors for HBV infection where tattooing and having more than 4 sexual partners previously, and for HCV infection transfusions before 1992 and age. Only one person was anti-HCV positive with a viral charge of 5 X 106 copies, genotype 2b. CONCLUSIONS: HCV seropositivity in people with high risk was lower than general population. None was positive for HBV infection.