Epidemiology and molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus infection in isolated villages in the Western Brazilian Amazon.
Am J Trop Med Hyg
; 87(4): 768-74, 2012 Oct.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22908032
ABSTRACT
Individuals from three isolated, rural communities in the western Brazilian Amazon were evaluated for serological markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, HBV genotype, and the presence of risk factors for infection and transmission. Of the 225 individuals studied, 79.1% had serological evidence of HBV infection; 10.2% individuals were chronic carriers for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg-positive). Analysis of risk factors indicates that HBV is transmitted mainly horizontally within the family from a chronic "active" carrier for hepatitis B "e" antigen (HBeAg-positive), though a strong possibility of vertical transmission remains. The predominance of HBV genotype F, with a higher genomic similarity between the isolates, indicated a relatively recent introduction of HBV, from a common source, to the area. This study sheds light on the HBV epidemiology in the Brazilian Amazon region and highlights the need for greater emphasis on HBV control and immunization programs.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Rural Population
/
Carrier State
/
Hepatitis B virus
/
Hepatitis B
Type of study:
Risk_factors_studies
/
Screening_studies
Aspects:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Aged
/
Child
/
Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Infant
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
America do sul
/
Brasil
Language:
En
Journal:
Am J Trop Med Hyg
Year:
2012
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil