Vigilancia de Hepatitis virales y de etiología desconocida / Surveillance of viral hepatitis and unknown etiology

Se presenta brevemente la situación mundial y regional de hepatitis virales y de hepatitis de etiología desconocida, con su correspondiente análisis de los casos residentes en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires durante el período 2020-2021. Describe la cobertura de vacunación en los años 2018-2021.

A Retrospective Survey of Rodent-borne Viruses in Rural Populations of Brazilian Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The Amazon tropical rainforest has the most dense and diverse ecosystem worldwide. A few studies have addressed rodent-borne diseases as potential hazards to humans in this region. METHODS: A retrospective survey was conducted using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting mammarenavirus and orthohantavirus antibodies in 206 samples collected from rural settlers of the Brazilian Western Amazonian region. RESULTS: Six (2.91%) individuals in the age group of 16 to 36 years were found to possess antibodies against mammarenavirus. CONCLUSION: Evidence of previous exposure to mammarenavirus in the rural population points to its silent circulation in this region.

Epidemiologia das hepatites virais por classificação etiológica / Epidemiology of viral hepatitis by etiological classification

OBJETIVO: Descrever e analisar a epidemiologia das hepatites virais. MÉTODOS: Estudo epidemiológico descritivo realizado por meio da análise de dados obtidos do banco de dados da plataforma do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde relativos ao Estado de Minas Gerais, com as variáveis número de casos, hepatite viral CID 10 (B15 a B19), faixa etária, forma de transmissão, sexo e etnia no período de 2010 a 2017. RESULTADOS: Somaram-se 14.308 casos de hepatite A, B e C entre 2010 e 2017 em Minas Gerais. A hepatite C foi a mais prevalente com 50%, seguido da hepatite B com 39% e da hepatite A com 11%. O sexo masculino (70,2%) contrastou com o feminino (50,8%) no panorama geral. Quanto à etnia, foram obtidos 38% na parda e 37,5% na branca, em contraste com 0,4% na indígena. A faixa etária mais acometida foi de 40 a 59 anos com 54% dos casos. Surpreendeu a manutenção do número de casos registrados de vírus C transmitidos via transfusão sanguínea, provavelmente antes do reconhecimento do vírus, nos anos 1990 (1.002 casos), além da existência de casos de vírus A transmitidos via sexual (30 casos). CONCLUSÃO: Em Minas Gerais, a epidemiologia das hepatites virais seguiu a tendência global em faixa etária e número de casos. Todavia tornase imprescindível considerar novas abordagens de prevenção e controle com foco em educação sexual em saúde independente, principalmente nas faixas etárias jovens e avançadas. (AU)

OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze the epidemiology of viral hepatitis. METHODS: This is a descriptive epidemiological study based on the analysis of data from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System in the state of Minas Gerais, with the following variables: viral hepatitis ICD 10 (B15-B19), age range, way of transmission, gender, and ethnicity, from 2010 to 2017. RESULTS: There were 14,308 cases of hepatitis A, B, and C from 2010 to 2017 in the state of Minas Gerais. Hepatitis C vírus was the most prevalent with 50%, followed by hepatitis B virus with 39%, and hepatitis A virus with 11%. The male gender (70.2%) contrasted with the female (50.8%) in the general panorama. As for ethnicity, 38% were in the brown people, and 37.5% in the white people, compared to 0,4% in the indigenous people. The most affected age group was 40-59 years, with 54% of the cases. Surprisingly, the number of registered cases of C virus transmitted by blood transfusion was steady, probably before the virus was recognized in the 1990s (1002 cases), and there were cases of virus A transmitted via sexual intercourse (30 cases). CONCLUSION: In Minas Gerais, the epidemiology of viral hepatitis follows the global trend in terms of age range and number of cases; however, it is imperative to consider new approaches in prevention and control, focusing on sexually independent health education, mainly in the young and advanced age groups. (AU)

Fatores determinantes de conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas em DST/Aids e hepatites virais, entre jovens de 18 a 29 anos, no Brasil / Determinant factors of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding STD/AIDS and viral hepatitis among youths aged 18 to 29 years in Brazil / Facteurs déterminants des connaissances, des attitudes et des pratiques en MST/SIDA et hépatites virales parmis les jeunes âgés de 18 à 29 ans au Brésil

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a vulnerabilidade dos jovens brasileiros às DSTs/Hiv Aids e Hepatites Virais. Foram entrevistados 1.208 jovens (18 e 29 anos em 15 Estados e DF). A margem de erro da pesquisa ponderada regional e nacionalmente foi 2,8%. O estudo foi aprovado pelo CEP da Faculdade de Medicina da UnB e teve apoio da OPAS e do Ministério da Saúde. Escala com 35 questões (-35 a +35 pontos) de conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas em DSTs/Hiv Aids e Hepatites Virais foi utilizada como variável dependente. Modelos de regressão linear ajustados identificaram fatores demográficos e determinantes sociais que explicam a variação na escala. A escala atingiu nível satisfatório de consistência (Alfa Cronbach: 0,689). Fatores sociodemográficos associados à variação na escala foram: gênero, etnia, escolaridade e estado civil. Determinantes sociais associadas à variação na escala foram: hábito de conversar sobre sexualidade com pais e profissionais de saúde, consumo de álcool, ter lazer e ser engajado, acesso à internet, interesse em aprender e ter pai e/ou professor como referência pessoal. Os jovens brasileiros estão vulneráveis à transmissão de DSTs/Hiv Aids. São necessárias políticas públicas que promovam engajamento dos pais e professores em assuntos sobre sexualidade.

Abstract The scope of this study was to evaluate the vulnerability of Brazilian youths to STDs/HIV&AIDS and Viral Hepatitis. Interviews were conducted with 1,208 youths aged 18 to 29 in 15 states and the Federal District. The regional and national adjusted margin of error of the research was 2.8%. The study was approved by the School of Medicine of Brasilia University with support from PAHO and the Ministry of Health. A scale with 35 questions (knowledge, attitudes and practices) was the main dependent variable. Adjusted linear regression models identified the demographic and social determinant factors that explain scale variations. The scale attained a satisfactory level of consistency (Cronbach's Alpha: 0.689). Sociodemographic factors associated to scale variations include gender, race, education and civil status. Social determinants associated to scale variations include frequency of discussions about sexuality with parents and health professionals, alcohol consumption, leisure and being part of a social movement, access to the internet, interest in learning and having the father and/or teacher as a personal reference. Brazilian youths are vulnerable to the transmission of STDs/HIV&AIDS. Public policies are needed to promote the engagement of parents and teachers in issues related to sexuality.

Résumé L'objectif de cette étude a été d'évaluer la vulnérabilité des jeunes brésiliens aux MST/VIH SIDA et aux Hépatites Virales. À cet effet, 1.208 jeunes (âgés de 18 à 29 ans dans 15 États brésiliens et le DF [Distrito Federal] ont été interviewés. La marge d'erreur de la recherche pondérée régionalement et nationalement était de 2,8%. L'étude a été approuvée par le CEP [Comité d'Éthique en Recherche] de la Faculté de Médecine de l'UnB et a eu le support de l'OPAS [Organisation Panaméricaine de la Santé] et du Ministère de la Santé. Une échelle de 35 questions (-35 à +35 points) évaluant les connaissances, les attitudes et les pratiques en MST/VIH SIDA et Hépatites Virales a été utilisée comme une variable dépendante. Des modèles de régression linéaire ajustés ont identifié les facteurs démographiques et les déterminants sociaux qui expliquent la variation dans l'échelle. L'échelle a atteint un niveau satisfaisant de consistance (Alpha de Cronbach: 0,689). Des facteurs socio-démographiques associés à la variation dans échelle ont été pris en compte, à savoir: le genre, l´ethnie, la scolarité et l´ état civil. Les déterminants sociaux associés à la variation dans l'échelle: l´habitude de discuter sur la sexualité avec les parents et des professionnels de la santé, la consommation d'alcool, profiter du loisir et être engagé, avoir accès à Internet, avoir intérêt à apprendre et avoir un parent et/ou un enseignant comme référence personnelle.

Protocolo clínico e diretrizes terapêuticas para prevenção da transmissão vertical de HIV, sífilis e hepatites virais / Clinical protocol and therapeutic guidelines for prevention of vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis and viral hepatitis

INTRODUÇÃO: Este Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para Prevenção de Transmissão Vertical de HIV, Sífilis e Hepatites Virais está estruturado em três partes: -Parte I: Transmissão Vertical do HIV; -Parte II: Transmissão Vertical de Sífilis; -Parte III: Transmissão Vertical de Hepatites Virais. PARTE I: trata da transmissão vertical do HIV e atualiza o documento de Recomendações para Profilaxia da Transmissão Vertical do HIV e Terapia Antirretroviral em Gestantes, publicado em 2010. Entre outras atualizações, consolida a estratégia B+ da Organização Mundial de Saúde, em indicar tratamento antirretroviral às gestantes vivendo com HIV/aids, independente do seu estado imunológico e apresenta o efavirenz (EFV) como droga de primeira scolha na primeira linha de tratamento, possibilitando a prescrição do esquema preferencial e primeira linha na formulação de dose fixa combinada, o que reduz significativamente o número de comprimidos diários par apenas um por dia, representando significativo impacto positivo na adesão ao tratamento. PARTE II: trata da transmissão vertical de sífilis. Esta seção recentemente foi atualizada no documento Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, publicado em maio de 2015. Aborda as fases da infecção da sífilis, métodos diagnósticos, tratamento específico e a manejo laboratorial e terapêutico para a sífilis congênita. PARTE III: trata da transmissão vertical das hepatites virais, sobretudo a hepatite viral B. Trata dos diversos aspectos da transmissão da hepatite B, o manejo da infecção na gestante, incluindo o pções terapêuticas e condutas obstétricas.

Boletim Epidemiológico Hepatites Virais - 2014 / Epidemiological Bulletin Viral Hepatitis - 2014

A hepatite é uma doença caracterizada pela inflamação das células do fígado que pode ser causada principalmente por vírus, uso de medicamentos, álcool e outras drogas. Pode levar a insuficiência hepática aguda, cirrose e câncer do fígado. O Boletim Epidemiológico foi elaborado a partir das bases de dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) e Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade (SIM), no período de 2009 a 2013 da população residente no estado de Goiás. A análise define o padrão epidemiológico da doença, a partir de estudo descritivo e analítico com referência temporal e características pessoais. No período de 2009 a 2013 foram notificados 32.609 casos suspeitos de hepatites virais, deste total 9104 casos foram confirmados, onde 966 confirmados de hepatite A, 7.083 casos confirmados de hepatite B e 890 suspeitos de hepatite C. Em julho de 2013, iniciou - se no estado de Goiás o tratamento da Hepatite C com as novas drogas disponibilizadas pelo Ministério da Saúde (MS). Atualmente, 140 portadores do vírus da hepatite C foram cadastrados no Hospital de Doenças Tropicais (HDT) e 5 no Serviço de Tratamento Especializado (SAE) do Município de Anápolis totalizando 145 usuários para tratamento da terapia tripla.

Hepatitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of liver cells that can be caused mainly by viruses, drug use, alcohol and other drugs. It can lead to acute liver failure, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The Epidemiological Bulletin was prepared from the databases of the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) and Mortality Information System (SIM), from 2009 to 2013 of the population living in the state of Goiás. The analysis defines the epidemiological pattern of the disease, based on a descriptive and analytical study with temporal reference and personal characteristics. In the period from 2009 to 2013, 32,609 suspected cases of viral hepatitis were reported, of this total 9104 cases were confirmed, where 966 confirmed hepatitis A, 7,083 confirmed cases of hepatitis B and 890 suspected cases of hepatitis C. In July 2013, the treatment of Hepatitis C with the new drugs made available by the Ministry of Health (MS) began in the state of Goiás. Currently, 140 carriers of hepatitis C virus were registered at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (HDT) and 5 in the Specialized Treatment Service (SAE) of the Municipality of Anápolis totaling 145 users for treatment of triple therapy.

Das hepatopatias e icterícias às hepatites virais: configuração de um caleidoscópio / From hepatic diseases and jaundice to viral hepatitis: the configuration of a kaleidoscope / De las hepatopatías e ictericias a las hepatitis virales: configuración de un caleidoscopio

As hepatites virais A, B, C, D e E - viroses sistêmicas hepatotrópicas - produzem quadros de hepatite aguda. Dependendo do agente etiológico, da carga viral e de condições do hospedeiro, podem evoluir para hepatite crônica, cirrose, câncer de fígado e formas agudas fulminantes. A versatilidade ecológica desses vírus configura uma natureza espectral e cambiante de transmissão no tempo e no espaço; potencializada pelo curso subclínico por vezes prolongado de grande parte das infecções, constitui-se em desafio epidemiológico. Com base no curso histórico dessas infecções foram descritos cenários e tendências relativas ao seu comportamento socioepidemiológico, apontando para a necessidade de superar modelos, padrões, protocolos e retornar à investigação de cada situação de saúde/doença. Ou seja, assinala para a imprescindível exploração das singularidades no sentido de desenvolver ações gerais modeladas pelas especificidades locais.

Viral hepatitis A, B, C, D and E - systemic hepatotropic viral infections - present as acute hepatitis that, depending on the etiological agent, viral load and host conditions, may evolve into chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer and acute fulminant disease. The ecological versatility of these viruses, their spectrum of transmission in time and space, potentialized by the sub-clinical course of a large proportion of infections, comprise an epidemiological challenge. This essay describes scenarios and tendencies in the socioepidemiologic profile, based on the history of these infections, and indicates the need to overcome patterns, models, and protocols and instead investigate each particular situation. In other words, it highlights the need to explore singularities in order to be able to develop new proposals for general actions tailored to local specificities.

Las hepatitis virales A, B, C, D y E - virosis sistémicas hepatotrópicas - producen cuadros de hepatitis aguda. Dependiendo del agente etiológico, de la carga viral y de las condiciones del hospedador, pueden evolucionar hacia hepatitis crónica, cirrosis, cáncer del hígado y formas agudas fulminantes. La versatilidad ecológica de estos virus, configura una naturaleza espectral y cambiante de transmisión en el tiempo y espacio; potencializada por el curso subclínico, a veces prolongado, constituye un desafío epidemiológico en gran parte de las infecciones. Con base en el curso histórico de estas infecciones se han descrito escenarios y tendencias relativas a su comportamiento socioepidemiológico, apuntando hacia la necesidad de superar modelos, patrones, protocolos, y retornar a la investigación de cada situación de salud/enfermedad. Es decir, señala la imprescindible exploración de las singularidades en el sentido de desarrollar acciones generales modeladas por las especificidades locales.

Seroepidemiological survey of transmissible infectious diseases in a portuguese prison establishment

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 151 (71.6 percent) of 211 male inmates of a regional Portuguese prison in order to establish the seroprevalence for viral hepatitis (HAV, HBV, HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis and herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and to analyze some psychosocial and criminal characteristics. Mean age was 34 years. Anti-HAV was positive in 69.5 percent (n = 105) and in 34.4 percent (n = 52) for anti-HCV. One (0.7 percent) person had HBsAg and 29 (19.2 percent) had laboratory markers of past HBV infection. Non-immune inmates for HBV were 40.4 percent (n = 61). Syphilis was diagnosed in 6.0 percent (n = 9). The rate of HIV infection was 6.6 percent (n = 10; all HIV-1). The seropositivity of HSV-2 was 19.9 percent (n = 30) and of HSV-1 was 82.1 percent (n = 124). Alcohol dependence was reported by 26.5 percent (n = 40). Excluding tobacco and prescription medication, 73.5 percent (n = 111) reported drug use in prison. The most commonly used drugs were: cannabis (100 percent; n = 111) followed by heroin (56.7 percent; n = 63). Anti-HCV rate was noteworthy. The HIV infection rate (6.6 percent) in this regional prison is at least 13 to 22 times greater than in general population. As the inmate return to the community increases the risk of disease exposure for the general population, early detection and counseling is urgently needed for prisoners.

Tratamento da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C em candidatos a transplante renal submetidos a diálise: impacto orçamentário no SUS / Hepatitis C treatment in patients on dialysis awaiting renal transplantation: a budget impact analysis

Trata-se de uma análise de impacto orçamentário derivada dos resultados do estudo "Custo-efetividade do tratamento da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C em candidatos a transplante renal submetidos a diálise". Teve como objetivo estimar o impacto orçamentário da ampliação da oferta do tratamento da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C (VHC) para candidatos a transplante renal. Para tal, foi construído um modelo de Markov, a fim de estimar o custo médio do tratamento de diferentes proporções da população-alvo. Foram estimados os casos prevalentes e incidentes da infecção na população em diálise, candidata a transplante renal, em um horizonte de tempo de dez anos. Com base nestas estimativas, foi calculado o valor a ser despendido pelo SUS para tratar a população-alvo em três cenários diferenciados, caracterizados pela proporção da população submetida ao tratamento. Os valores encontrados foram comparados com o gasto do sistema para garantia de terapias de substituição renal no período de um ano, identificando-se que o custo do tratamento de toda a população candidata a transplante, infectada pelo VHC, corresponde a 0,3 por cento do valor despendido com TRS pelo SUS.

This is an analyses of the budget impact derived from the cost-effectiveness study on the hepatitis C treatment in candidates for renal transplantation under dialysis. It aims to estimate the budget impact of an offer of hepatitis C treatment for all candidates for renal transplantation. A Markov model was developed to estimate the mean cost for treatment of distinct proportions of the target population. The prevalence and incidence of hepatitis C in the candidates for renal transplantation in the dialysis population was also estimated in a horizon of ten years. Based on these estimative, we calculate the amount needed for treatment of this population in three distinct scenarios characterized by a proportion of the population under treatment. The values were compared with the expense of the system to guarantee renal replacement therapies in one year, identifying the cost of treatment of all candidates for transplant, infected with HCV, corresponding to 0.3 percent of the amount spent with renal transplantation within the SUS.

Epidemiología de las hepatitis virales en México / Epidemiology of viral hepatitis in Mexico

Las hepatitis virales son una de las causas principales de daño hepático en México. En este estudio se analiza el estado actual de las hepatitis virales en México. La Secretaría de Salud informa un total de 192 588 casos de hepatitis virales entre 2000 y 2007. De éstos, 79 por ciento corresponden aVHA, 3.3 por ciento aVHB, 6 por ciento a VHC y 11.7 por ciento a casos sin agente etiológico descrito. No obstante, el VHB se podría estar subdiagnosticando, ya que hay zonas de alta endemia en poblaciones indígenas, existen limitaciones en la sensibilidad y especificidad de las pruebas inmunológicas y podría ser común la hepatitis B oculta. ElVHE podría ser uno de los agentes etiológicos de aquellos casos que carecen de un agente etiológico conocido. Se proponen estrategias específicas para el control de las hepatitis virales tendientes a disminuir el número de casos.

The main etiology of liver disease in Mexico is alcohol and viral hepatitis. The aim of the present study was to analyze the current epidemiology of viral hepatitis in Mexico. From 2000 to 2007 the Ministry of Health reported 192 588 cases of hepatitis, 79 percent HAV, 3.3 percent HBV, 6 percent HCV, and 12 percent without a specific etiologic factor. Due to high endemic areas for HBV infection in native Mexican population, limitations in the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the serological immunoassays used to date and presence of occult hepatitis B in the country, the real prevalence of HBV infection could be even higher than HCV in Mexico. Hepatitis E virus in cirrhotic patients and in porcine farms could at least partially explain the cases of hepatitis that are diagnosed without a specific etiologic agent. Specific strategies to establish control regulations against viral hepatitis infections in Mexico are proposed.

Hepatitis aguda viral durante el embarazo / Acute viral hepatitis during pregnancy

Acute hepatitis has a very low incidence disease during pregnancy. However, it may be an important cause of jaundice during gestation which in cases of viral etiology can have a very high morbidity and mortality risk to the mother and the fetus. The purpose of this review is to update the available knowledge regarding viral hepatitis during pregnancy including description of the main etiologies, transmission route, maternal-fetal risk and possible management.

La hepatitis aguda es una enfermedad de baja incidencia durante el embarazo; sin embargo, es una causa importante de ictericia durante el desarrollo de éste y en algunos casos presenta un alto riesgo de morbi-mortalidad materno-fetal, siendo la etiología principalmente viral. El propósito de este artículo es actualizar los conocimientos disponibles en la literatura médica respecto a hepatitis viral durante el embarazo, conocer cuáles son los agentes más prevalentes, vía de transmisión, riesgo para el binomio madre- hijo y eventual manejo.

Hepatites virais e gestação

As seis formas de hepatites virais constituem uma relativamente comum e bastante séria infecção que poderá atingir as gestantes,condicionando danos a elas e seriamente comprometendo todo o evoluir da gravidez.Os quadros de hepatite aguda na gestação necessitam internação hospitalar se existir algum sinal de encefalopatia aguda, coagulopatia ou grave debilidade devido a má-nutrição.Nessas eventualidades pode haver necessidade de reposição de sangue e fatores da coagulação sanguínea,tais como plasma fresco criocipitados.Aproximadamente 10% a 20% das mulheres que são soropositivas para o HBsAg podem transmitir aos seus fetos o HBV e,entre as pacientes que são positivas para o HBsAg e HBeAg,a possibilidade de transmissão atinge os 90%.A vacinação de recém-nascidos de mães soropositivas é indicada.Há risco de transmição de hepatite intraparto.

Viral hepatitis in patients hospitalized in two teaching hospitals, Tehran, Iran

Viral hepatitis is a systemic infection affecting the liver predominantly. Almost all cases of acute viral hepatitis are caused by one of five viral agents: HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV and HEV. The present study aimed to find out the frequency of various forms of viral hepatitis [HAY, HBV, and HCV], route of transmission, the history of vaccination against hepatitis B, and clinical findings in 252 hepatic patients referring to 2 teaching hospitals. In this descriptive study, 252 patients with viral hepatitis hospitalized in two university hospitals were included. Based on medical files, the initial data and laboratory indices including HBS-Ag, HBS-Ab, anti- HBC Ab, anti-HCV Ab [ELISA generation II], anti-HAV Ab [IgG, Ig M], and anti-HIV Ab were gathered. The mean age of patients [ +/- standard deviation] was 40.3 +/- 16.3 years. Of 252 cases, 37 [14.5%] suffered from acute viral hepatitis, while 215 [85.5%] were chronically infected. Finally, the frequency of various forms of viral hepatitis was as follows: hepatitis A 5.2%, hepatitis B 54.8%, hepatitis C 34.9%, and hepatitis B and C co-infection 5.2%. With respect to the hazardous complications of hepatitis B and C and the reality that most of the patients are in their reproductive ages, suitable strategic planning for controlling and preventing the disease is of utmost importance

review of hepatitis viral infections in Pakistan

A review of published literature on viral hepatitis infections in Pakistan is presented. A total of 220 abstracts available in the Pakmedinet and Medline have been searched. All relevant articles were reviewed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis viral infections in Pakistan. Two hundred and three [203] relevant articles/abstracts including twenty nine supporting references are included in this review. Of the articles on prevalence of hepatitis infection, seven were related to Hepatitis A, fifteen to Hepatitis E while the remaining articles were on frequency of hepatitis B and C in different disease and healthy population groups. These included eight studies on healthy children, three on vertical transmission, nineteen on pregnant women, fifteen on healthy individuals, six on army recruits, thirty one on blood donors, thirteen on health care workers, five on unsafe injections, seventeen on high risk groups, five on patients with provisional diagnosis of hepatitis, thirty three on patients with chronic liver disease, four on genotypes of HBV and five on genotypes of HCV. This review highlights the lack of community-based epidemiological work as the number of subjects studied were predominantly patients, high risk groups and healthy blood donors. High level of Hepatitis A seroconversion was found in children and this viral infection accounts for almost 50%-60% of all cases of acute viral hepatitis in children in Pakistan. Hepatitis E is endemic in the country affecting mostly the adult population and epidemic situations have been reported from many parts of the country. The mean results of HBsAg and Anti-HCV prevalence on the basis of data aggregated from several studies was calculated which shows 2.3% and 2.5% prevalence of HBsAg and Anti-HCV in children, 2.5% and 5.2% among pregnant women, 2.6% and 5.3% in general population, 3.5% and 3.1% in army recruits, 2.4% and 3.6% in blood donors, 6.0% and 5.4% in health care workers, 13.0% and 10.3% in high risk groups, 12.3% and 12.0% in patients with provisional diagnosis of hepatitis and 25.7% and 54% in patients with chronic liver disease respectively. This review has illustrated the high endemicity of hepatitis viral infections in Pakistan where hepatitis B and C potentially account for a serious burden of the disease. This review has triggered the launching of a network intervention for the control of hepatitis viral infectious. This review was used as the basis for the launch of hepatitis programme, but putting it into a formal review took time and the hepatitis program was initiated

Prevalence and risk factors for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HTLV-I/II infection in low-income postpartum and pregnant women in Greater Metropolitan Vitória, Espírito Santo State, Brazil / Prevalência e fatores de risco para a infecção por HIV, sífilis, hepatite B, hepatite C e HTLV-I/II em parturientes e gestantes de baixa renda atendidas na Região Metropolitana de Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil

Sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy pose a major risk to the fetus due to vertical transmission. The study's objective was to determine the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and HTLV-I/II infection among low-income postpartum and pregnant women treated in Greater Metropolitan Vitória, Espírito Santo State, Brazil, and the risk factors associated with these infections. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to October 1999 assessing postpartum and pregnant women from the maternity ward of the Vitória Mercy Hospital and the Carapina Outpatient Referral Unit in the Municipality of Serra, respectively. Patients were systematically interviewed and had blood samples drawn for serological tests (HIV 1&2, VDRL, HbsAg, anti-HCV, and HTLV-I/II). A total of 534 patients (332 postpartum and 202 pregnant women) were assessed. Seroprevalence rates for the target infections in postpartum and pregnant women and the overall sample were as follows, respectively: HIV 0.9 percent, 0 percent, and 0.6 percent; syphilis 2.1 percent, 3.6 percent, and 2.7 percent; HBV 1.2 percent, 1 percent, and 1.1 percent; HCV 1.8 percent, 0.6 percent, and 1.4 percent; and HTLV-I/II 1.7 percent, 0.6 percent, and 1.3 percent. Factors associated with the various infections are presented and analyzed in light of other research findings from the literature.

A ocorrência de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis durante a gravidez representa risco aumentado de morbidade e mortalidade para o feto e neonato em virtude da transmissão vertical. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a prevalência da infecção por HIV, sífilis, hepatites B e C e por HTLV-I/II em parturientes e gestantes de baixa renda da Região Metropolitana de Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil, e avaliar fatores de risco associados a essas infecções. Foi realizado estudo de corte transversal de fevereiro a outubro de 1999, avaliando 534 pacientes (332 parturientes e 202 gestantes). Todas as participantes foram submetidas a entrevista semi-estruturada, após a qual foi coletada uma amostra de sangue para realização de testes sorológicos (HIV 1 e 2, VDRL, HbsAg, anti-HCV e HTLV-I/II). A soroprevalência das infecções estudadas entre as parturientes, as gestantes e no total da amostra foi, respectivamente: HIV 0,9 por cento, 0 por cento e 0,6 por cento; sífilis 2,1 por cento, 3,6 por cento e 2,7 por cento; HBV 1,2 por cento, 1 por cento e 1,1 por cento; HCV 1,8 por cento, 0,6 por cento e 1,4 por cento e HTV-I/II 1,7 por cento, 0,6 por cento e 1,3 por cento. Os fatores associados às infecções avaliadas são descritos e analisados à luz de achados de outros investigadores.

Transfusion transmitted virus in screened united Arab Emirates blood donors

To investigate the rate of infection caused by Torque teno virus [TTV] in United Arab Emirates [UAEs] healthy population as a pilot study in detecting TTV DNA in 100 healthy blood donors. We randomly choose a total of 100 healthy blood donors who attended Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE from January 20 to May 30, 2005. We carried out a real-time polymerase chain reaction [PCR] test to detect TTV DNA. Real-time for TTV was positive in 75 [75%] donors. Eight [73%] non-UAE donors were TTV positive while 67 [75%] were UAEs. Among these donors, 72 [77%] were males and 3 [50%] were females. Our results demonstrated a high prevalence of TTV in UAE