Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B virus in an isolated Afro-Brazilian community.

This study was conducted in an Afro-Brazilian, slave-descendant community with high (42.4%) hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence. Twenty (8.4%) out of the 239 subjects under study were HBsAg-positive, and HBV-DNA was detected in 59 (25%) individuals. A high rate (18.3%) of occult infection was therefore observed that was associated to low HBV loads (mean, 1.8 x 10(4) copies/ml) and to a specific amino acid substitution (C100Y) in the small surface antigen. Genotyping of 50 isolates showed that 43 (86%) were of subgenotype A1, one (2%) from subgenotype A2, and five (10%) from subgenotype D. Mixed genotypes A1 and E were observed in one (2%) sample. The genetic distance (0.8 +/- 0.3%) among the HBV/A1 isolates from the community was smaller than the intragroup divergence among A1 isolates from Brazil as a whole, but it was similar to that found between A2 isolates from different countries, suggesting that HBV/A1 was introduced in the community through different sources. The substitution W501R (polymerase), previously reported only in Gambia, was observed in 46% of the HBV/A1 isolates. The precore/core promoter region of HBsAg-positive isolates showed several substitutions that could explain the anti-HBe phenotype found in 18 of 20 (90%) of the HBsAg-positive subjects.

Genotyping hepatitis C virus from hemodialysis patients in Central Brazil by line probe assay and sequence analysis.

The present study examined the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and subtypes in a hemodialysis population in Goiás State, Central Brazil, and evaluated the efficiency of two genotyping methods: line probe assay (LiPA) based on the 5' noncoding region and nucleotide sequencing of the nonstructural 5B (NS5B) region of the genome. A total of 1095 sera were tested for HCV RNA by RT-nested PCR of the 5' noncoding region. The LiPA assay was able to genotype all 131 HCV RNA-positive samples. Genotypes 1 (92.4%) and 3 (7.6%) were found. Subtype 1a (65.7%) was the most prevalent, followed by subtypes 1b (26.7%) and 3a (7.6%). Direct nucleotide sequencing of 340 bp from the NS5B region was performed in 106 samples. The phylogenetic tree showed that 98 sequences (92.4%) were classified as genotype 1, subtypes 1a (72.6%) and 1b (19.8%), and 8 sequences (7.6%) as subtype 3a. The two genotyping methods gave concordant results within HCV genotypes and subtypes in 100 and 96.2% of cases, respectively. Only four samples presented discrepant results, with LiPA not distinguishing subtypes 1a and 1b. Therefore, HCV genotype 1 (subtype 1a) is predominant in hemodialysis patients in Central Brazil. By using sequence analysis of the NS5B region as a reference standard method for HCV genotyping, we found that LiPA was efficient at the genotype level, although some discrepant results were observed at the subtype level (sensitivity of 96.1% for subtype 1a and 95.2% for subtype 1b). Thus, analysis of the NS5B region permitted better discrimination between HCV subtypes, as required in epidemiological investigations.

Epidemiological study of hepatitis B virus among prisoners with active tuberculosis in Central Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Due to environmental and social conditions inherent to incarceration, tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are major diseases among prison inmates. OBJECTIVE: To determine overall and occult HBV infection (OBI) prevalence rates, risk factors and genotype distribution among inmates with active TB. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 216 inmates with active TB recruited at the largest prisons in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Central Brazil. The participants were interviewed and tested for the presence of serological markers for HBV infection. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HBV infection (total hepatitis B core antibodies) was 10.2% (95%CI 6.2-14.2). HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence was 1.4% (3/216). HBV DNA was detected in all three HBsAg-positive samples and in 10.5% (2/19) of the anti-HBc-positive samples (OBI), giving a HBV-TB co-infection prevalence of 2.3% (5/216). A multivariate analysis of risk factors showed that history of sharing cutting instruments, length of incarceration and homosexual sex were associated with HBV infection. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that HBV remains an important public health concern among prison inmates and active TB-HBV co-infection needs to be addressed for effective treatment.

Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence and genotypes in patients with diffuse connective tissue diseases and spondyloarthropathies.

Many extrahepatic manifestations, including rheumatic diseases, have been reported to be associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In order to investigate the prevalence of HCV infection among patients with rheumatic diseases, in the present study we interviewed 367 patients and tested their blood samples for HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-HCV-reactive samples were retested for confirmation by a line immunoassay and also for HCV RNA detection by the polymerase chain reaction. HCV RNA-positive samples were genotyped by INNO-LIPA. An overall HCV infection prevalence of 1.9% (7/367) was found. Of the 7 HCV-infected patients, 4 had systemic lupus erythematosus and 3 rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in positivity rates of 2.3 and 3.4%, respectively. HCV RNA genotyping revealed the presence of subtypes 1a (57.1%), 1b (28.6%) and 3a (14.3%). The clinical course was favorable for all HCV-infected patients, except one, who died due to renal insufficiency related to lupus nephritis. These results demonstrate a low HCV infection prevalence among the population studied. In the few positive cases, we observed no adverse influence of this infection on the clinical evolution of the rheumatic disease.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E antibodies in a population of recyclable waste pickers in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection represents an important cause of acute viral hepatitis. Selective waste collection is a widespread activity carried out by the urban poor, and recyclable waste pickers have a lifestyle that makes this group highly vulnerable to unfavorable socio-economic and environmental factors. To date, the epidemiology of HEV infection in this population remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: To assess the seroprevalence of hepatitis E-specific antibodies in a population of recyclable waste pickers in Brazil. STUDY DESIGN: Between April 2010 and May 2011, a cross-sectional study was conducted among recyclable waste pickers from all 15 recycling cooperatives in Goiânia City, Central Brazil. The participants were tested for serological markers indicative of HEV infection. RESULTS: Of 432 individuals asked to participate in the survey, 431 (99.8%) agreed to participate. Twenty-four of 431 participants were anti-HEV IgG positive by ELISA. Of these, 22 were confirmed positive by immunoblot, resulting in an anti-HEV IgG prevalence of 5.1% (95% CI: 3.4-7.6). In addition, four individuals were anti-HEV IgM positive by ELISA. Of these, three (0.7%; 95% CI: 0.4-2.4) were confirmed anti-HEV IgM positive by immunoblot, but were HEV RNA negative. One was concurrently positive for anti-HEV IgG. Only age>40 years was independently associated with the presence of anti-HEV. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrated that the prevalence of HEV antibodies among recyclable waste pickers in Central Brazil is relatively low and increased with age.

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among tuberculosis patients with or without HIV in Goiânia City, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and tuberculosis (TB) represent major public health problems. There is currently little data on HBV infection among TB patients with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). OBJECTIVES: To assess HBV prevalence among TB patients with and without HIV. STUDY DESIGN: From April 2008 to March 2010, a cross-sectional study was conduct among TB patients attended at a reference hospital in Goiânia City, Brazil. The participants were tested for serological markers of HBV infection and HIV antibodies. HBV DNA was detected in HBsAg-positive samples, and also in HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive samples to look for HBV occult infection. RESULTS: Of 425 patients, 402 (94.6%) agreed to participate in the study. The overall prevalence of HBV (HBsAg and/or anti-HBc positive) and HIV infections were 25.6% (103/402) and 27.6% (111/402), respectively. A higher HBV infection rate was found among HIV-infected patients (36.9%; 41/111) compared to patients infected with TB only (20.0%; 57/285). A multivariate analysis of risk factors showed that age ≥ 50 years (p=0.03), non-injecting (p<0.01) and injecting (p<0.01) drugs use were associated with HBV infection. Among the HBsAg-positive samples (n=13), HBV DNA was detected in 10 (76.9%) samples. Of the 90 anti-HBc-positive samples, 13 were HBV DNA positive (with very low levels) resulting in an occult HBV infection rate of 14.4%. PCR-RFLP was successfully performed in 20 HBV DNA-positive samples: 15 were genotype A and 5 were genotype D. CONCLUSIONS: HBV infection was common, particularly among this with HIV infection.

Hepatitis C virus infection in patients with tuberculosis in Central Brazil.

SETTING: Goiânia City, Goiás State, Brazil. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, risk factors, HCV genotype/ subtype, HCV viral load and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status in patients with tuberculosis (TB) in Central Brazil. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 402 patients who were under tuberculosis (TB) treatment in the reference hospital for infectious diseases in Goiânia, Goiás, Central Brazil. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of HCV and HIV were respectively 7.5% and 27.6%. Two thirds of the HCV-infected patients (20/30) were HIV-positive. Age, injecting drug use (IDU) and HIV status were factors independently associated with HCV infection. HCV RNA was detected in 23 serum samples; HCV RNA levels were measured in 22/23 samples. HCV RNA level was slightly higher in HCV-HIV co-infected patients than in HCV monoinfected patients. Genotypes 1 (n = 17) and 3 (n = 6) were determined by LiPA. Using phylogenetic tree analysis of the NS5B region, subtypes 1a (n = 12), 1b (n = 2) and 3a (n = 6) were identified. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that patients with TB may benefit from integrated HIV and HCV screening, which may have an important impact upon TB management and treatment.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and hepatitis C virus co-infection and viral subtypes at an HIV testing center in Brazil.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing sites have been recognized recently as potential settings for hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening since both viruses share common routes of transmission. HIV and HCV prevalence, predictors, co-infection rates, and viral subtypes were studied in 592 attendants at an anonymous HIV Counseling and Testing Center in central Brazil. Anti-HIV-1 and -HCV antibodies were screened by ELISA, and Western blots were used to confirm HIV infection. Among HIV-seropositive samples, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nested-PCR were used to subtype HIV-1 by the Heteroduplex Mobility Analysis (HMA) and HCV by the line probe assay (INNO-LiPA). HIV and HCV seroprevalence was 3.2% (95% CI 2.0-4.9) and 2.5% (95% CI 1.5-4.0), respectively. Intravenous drug use was the risk factor most strongly associated with both HIV and HCV infections, even in a population with few intravenous drug users (n = 6); incarceration was also associated with HCV. HIV/AIDS-positive sexual partner and homosexual/bisexual behaviors were associated independently with HIV-1. The prevalence of HCV infection among HIV-positive persons was 42% (95% CI 20-66), higher than in HIV-negative persons (1.2%; 95% CI 0.5-2.5). HIV-1 subtype B was identified in the env and gag regions of the genome. HCV subtype 3a predominated among co-infected persons and one HCV subtype 1a was detected. Overall, a similar prevalence of HIV and HCV infections and a higher prevalence of HCV among HIV-positive persons were observed. Integrated HIV and HCV screening at HIV testing sites may represent a unique opportunity to provide diagnosis and prevention strategies at a single visit.

Prevalence and epidemiology of chronic hepatitis C among prisoners of Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil

In Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, the number of prisoners has increased in the recent years and the control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become more complex. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence and identify the genotypes of HCV in prisoners as well as the factors associated with this infectious disease. Thereby, 443 men and 243 women from prisons were interviewed and subjected to blood collection. Anti-HCV reactive samples were analyzed by RT-PCR and genotyped. The overall seroprevalence of HCV infection was 4.8 percent (95 percentCI: 3.4 to 6.8 percent). Furthermore, the prevalence was higher in: men, injecting drug users, tattooed persons, those who were more than 50 years old, individuals who have been arrested multiple times, people with previous history of sexually transmitted disease (STD), persons who received blood transfusions or those with HIV/AIDS. The prevalence of RNA HCV by PCR was 3.0 percent (95 percentCI: 1.7 to 4.2 percent). Moreover, the coinfection of HIV and HCV was 33.3 percent. In addition, genotype 1 was the most frequent (85 percent) followed by genotype 3 (15 percent). The screening strategy for HCV and other infectious diseases in inmates is important as it establishes an early diagnosis, opportunity for treatment and allows the breaking of the transmission chain.

Molecular and serological characterization of group a rotavirus isolates obtained from hospitalized children in Goiânia, Brazil, 1998-2000.

Fecal samples positive for rotavirus group A ( n=120) were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay-monoclonal antibody (EIA-MAb) serotyping and/or reverse transcription/multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification to determine the prevalence of the [P] and G genotypes. The most prevalent G genotype/serotype detected was G1 (76.7%), followed by G2 (5.0%). Six samples were characterized as G9 by multiplex PCR, and one sample was characterized as G3 by EIA-MAb. The combinations of [P] and G genotypes found were P[8] and G1 (20.8%), P[6] and G1 (10.8%), P[6] and G9 (4.2%), P[8] and G2 (1.7%), and P[6] and G2 (0.8%). The diversity of rotavirus group A [P] and G genotypes/serotypes reinforces the need for continuous characterization of rotaviruses circulating in populations in Brazil.

Genotyping hepatitis C virus from hemodialysis patients in Central Brazil by line probe assay and sequence analysis

The present study examined the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and subtypes in a hemodialysis population in Goiás State, Central Brazil, and evaluated the efficiency of two genotyping methods: line probe assay (LiPA) based on the 5' noncoding region and nucleotide sequencing of the nonstructural 5B (NS5B) region of the genome. A total of 1095 sera were tested for HCV RNA by RT-nested PCR of the 5' noncoding region. The LiPA assay was able to genotype all 131 HCV RNA-positive samples. Genotypes 1 (92.4 percent) and 3 (7.6 percent) were found. Subtype 1a (65.7 percent) was the most prevalent, followed by subtypes 1b (26.7 percent) and 3a (7.6 percent). Direct nucleotide sequencing of 340 bp from the NS5B region was performed in 106 samples. The phylogenetic tree showed that 98 sequences (92.4 percent) were classified as genotype 1, subtypes 1a (72.6 percent) and 1b (19.8 percent), and 8 sequences (7.6 percent) as subtype 3a. The two genotyping methods gave concordant results within HCV genotypes and subtypes in 100 and 96.2 percent of cases, respectively. Only four samples presented discrepant results, with LiPA not distinguishing subtypes 1a and 1b. Therefore, HCV genotype 1 (subtype 1a) is predominant in hemodialysis patients in Central Brazil. By using sequence analysis of the NS5B region as a reference standard method for HCV genotyping, we found that LiPA was efficient at the genotype level, although some discrepant results were observed at the subtype level (sensitivity of 96.1 percent for subtype 1a and 95.2 percent for subtype 1b). Thus, analysis of the NS5B region permitted better discrimination between HCV subtypes, as required in epidemiological investigations.

Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence and genotypes in patients with diffuse connective tissue diseases and spondyloarthropathies

Many extrahepatic manifestations, including rheumatic diseases, have been reported to be associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In order to investigate the prevalence of HCV infection among patients with rheumatic diseases, in the present study we interviewed 367 patients and tested their blood samples for HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-HCV-reactive samples were retested for confirmation by a line immunoassay and also for HCV RNA detection by the polymerase chain reaction. HCV RNA-positive samples were genotyped by INNO-LIPA. An overall HCV infection prevalence of 1.9 percent (7/367) was found. Of the 7 HCV-infected patients, 4 had systemic lupus erythematosus and 3 rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in positivity rates of 2.3 and 3.4 percent, respectively. HCV RNA genotyping revealed the presence of subtypes 1a (57.1 percent), 1b (28.6 percent) and 3a (14.3 percent). The clinical course was favorable for all HCV-infected patients, except one, who died due to renal insufficiency related to lupus nephritis. These results demonstrate a low HCV infection prevalence among the population studied. In the few positive cases, we observed no adverse influence of this infection on the clinical evolution of the rheumatic disease.

Genotyping of group A rotavirus samples from Brazilian children by probe hybridization

The G genotyping of 74 group A rotavirus samples was done by RNA-DNA hybridization (dot-blot) using oligonucleotide probes for the VP7 gene region of the human rotavirus serotypes/genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4. Thirty-one samples could be genotyped by dot-blot showing the following results: G1 = 16, G4 = 6, G3 = 5, and G2 = 4. The data show circulation of genotypes G1-G4 and the predominance of G1. The knowledge of genotypes provides important information concerning rotavirus circulation in Central Brazil

Anti-HCV related to HCV PCR and risck factors analysis in a blood donor population of central Brazil

Ainda sao raros os casos de infeccao por hepatite C (HCV)na regiao central do Brasil. Neste estudo, 2.350 doadores voluntarios de sangue foram avaliados, resultando em prevalencias para o anti-HCV de 2,2 (por cento), pelo ELISA de segunda geracao, e de 1,4 por cento, apos o ensaio confirmatorio "line immunoassay". Anticorpos contra os antigenos "core", NS4 e NS5 do HCV foi observada em 76,6 (por cento) dos doadores anti-HCV positivos. A positividade da reacao em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) mostrou-se relacionada a reatividade aos diferentes antigenos do HCV no "line immunoassay". A maioria dos doadores positivos tiveram historia previa de exposicao parenteral. A combinacao de ALT>50 UI/1 e positividade ao anti-HBc parece nao ser eficaz como marcadores indiretos para a infeccao pelo HCV, entretanto a dosagem do ALT e a deteccao de anti-HCV sao indicadas na triagem de doadores de sangue brasileiros.

Risk factor and prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis a virus (HAV) in children from day-care centers, in Goiania, Brazil

Um estudo seroepidemiologico para o virus da hepatite A (VHA), investigando os marcadores de infeccao passada (anti-VHA total anti-IgG e IgM) e infeccao recente (anti-VHA IgM), foi realizado entre 1991 e 1992, em criancas de creche de Goiania-Brasil central. Das 310 criancas com idade entre 03 meses e 09 anos, 69,7 por cento mostraram soropositividade ao anti-VHA total, sendo 60 por cento, na faixa etaria entre 1 e 3 anos. A prevalencia do marcador anti-VHA IgM foi de 3,2 por cento visto em idade de 1-4 anos e com distribuicao uniforme nas 10 creches estudadas. Entre as variaveis sociodemograficas estudadas, apenas o tempo de frequencia das criancas nas creches, igual ou superior a um ano, mostrou, em analise multivariada ajustada para idade, um risco de 4,7 vezes maior quando comparado com o periodo de um mes (LC 95 por cento 2,3-9,9)...

Soroepidemiologia da infecçäo pelo vírus da hepatite A em meninos de/na rua de Goiânia-Goiás / Seroepidemiology of hepatitis A virus infection in street children of Goiânia-Goiás

Um estudo soro epidemiológico, para anticorpos contra o virus da hepatite A (anti-VHA total-IgM e IgG), foi realizado no período de 1991-1992, em 397 "meninos de/na rua" em Goiânia. Destes, 313 apresentavam vínculo familiar e desenvolviam, em sua maioria, atividades de trabalho informal, enquanto que 84 nao possuiam vínculo familiar e se encontravam na rua ou em Instituiçoes do Governo Estadual. A taxa média de prevalência foi de 90,4 por cento, variando de 80,0 por cento a 92,9 por cento, sem contudo apresentar diferença estatística significante relativa à idade (7-21). Também nao se evidenciou qualquer diferença quando este grupo foi estratificado para presença ou ausência de vínculo familiar ou mesmo quando analisado em relaçao a outras variáveis sócio-demográficas. Estes dados sugerem que a hepatite A é endêmica na populaçao de baixa condiçao sócio-econômica da regiao e que nesta faixa etária a maioria dos indivíduos já adquiriu a infecçao. Outras investigaçoes em grupos e camadas sociais diferentes sao necessárias a fim de parametrar estratégias vacinais em países subdesenvolvidos.