Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and associated factors among prison inmates in state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical 2010-09, Vol.43 (5), p.512-515
• Main Authors: Stief, Alcione Cavalheiro Faro, Martins, Regina Maria Bringel, Andrade, Sônia Maria Oliveira de, Pompilio, Mauricio Antonio, Fernandes, Sonia Maria, Murat, Paula Guerra, Mousquer, Gina Jonasson, Teles, Sheila Araújo, Camolez, Graciele Rodrigues, Francisco, Roberta Barbosa Lopes, Motta-Castro, Ana Rita Coimbra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Brazil - epidemiology; DNA, Viral - blood; Educational Status; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; Hepatitis B - diagnosis; Hepatitis B - epidemiology; Hepatitis B Antibodies - blood; Hepatitis B Core Antigens - blood; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens - blood; Hepatitis B virus - genetics; Hepatitis B virus - immunology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prisons - statistics & numerical data; TROPICAL MEDICINE; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0037-8682; 1678-9849; 1678-9849; 0037-8682
• DOI: 10.1590/S0037-86822010000500008

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HBV infection and associated factors among prison inmates in Campo Grande, MS. A total of 408 individuals were interviewed regarding sociodemographic characteristics, associated factors and HBV vaccination using a standardized questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from all participants and serological markers for HBV were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and/or antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) positive samples were tested for HBV-DNA by polymerase chain reaction. The overall prevalence of HBV infection was 17.9% (95%CI: 14.4-22.0). The HBsAg carrier rate was 0.5%; 56 (13.7%) individuals had been infected and developed natural immunity and 15 (3.7%) were positive for anti-HBc only. Ninety eight (24%) prisoners had only anti-HBs, suggesting that they had low vaccine coverage. An occult HBV infection rate of 0% was verified among anti-HBc-positive individuals. Multivariate analysis of associated factors showed that age > 35 years-old, low schooling level and illicit drug use are significantly associated with HBV infection. Analysis of the data showed HBV infection prevalence similar or slightly lower than that reported in other of Brazilian prisons. Independent predictors of HBV infection in this population include older age, low schooling level and illicit drug use.