Episode of Hepatitis C viral infection in the people of Swat, Pakistan / Episódio de infecção viral por Hepatite C no povo de Swat, Paquistão

Infectious agents cause serious diseases in humans worldwide and are responsible for the high rate of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence and epidemiology of infectious disease (HCV) in the hospital visited patients referred by the physicians through the initial findings and their associated risk factors were studied in Swat. The data of 174 infected patients were collected during the period of 2015 to 2017 from two clinical laboratories of Tehsil Matta Swat. Inform consent form was taken before blood collection. After taking informed consent blood samples were collected and ICT test was performed and then ICT positive cases were conform through PCR. A total of 174 ICT positive samples [106 male and 68 females] were included in this study. Age was considered from 10 to 72 years. Of the 174 ICT strip positive, 99 [63 males, 36 females] were confirmed through PCR. The prevalence rate was recorded 56.89%. I.V/I.M injection was recorded in 100% of the individuals. Visits to the barber shop was reported in (58%) of the individuals, married individuals were (81.0), surgical operation was reported in (44.8%), sharing toothbrush was observed in (29.9%), piercing was reported in (39.7%), family history was reported in (26.4%), dental treatment was observed in (21.8%), jaundice were (13.2%) and tattooing was (1.7%). Blood transfusion, surgical operations, Jaundice, family history and dental treatment were found significant risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. It was concluded that proper implementation of precautionary measures should be needed to control the spread of HCV in far near future.

Agentes infecciosos causam doenças graves em humanos em todo o mundo, e são responsáveis pelo alto índice de morbimortalidade. A prevalência e a epidemiologia das doenças infecciosas no hospital que atendeu pacientes encaminhados pelos médicos por meio dos achados iniciais e seus fatores de risco associados foram estudadas em Peshawar. Os dados de 174 pacientes infectados foram coletados durante o período de 2015 a 2017 oriundos de dois laboratórios clínicos de Tehsil Matta Swat. O formulário de consentimento informado foi obtido antes da coleta de sangue. Após a obtenção do consentimento informado, foram coletadas amostras de sangue e foi realizado o teste ICT e, em seguida, os casos ICT positivos foram confirmados por PCR. Um total de 174 amostras ICT positivas [106 homens e 68 mulheres] foi incluído neste estudo. A idade considerada foi de 10 a 72 anos. Das 174 tiras de ICT positivas, 99 casos [63 homens, 36 mulheres] foram confirmados por PCR. A taxa de prevalência foi de 56,89%. A injeção IV / IM foi registrada em 100% dos indivíduos. A visita à barbearia foi relatada em (58%) dos indivíduos, os números de casados foram (81,0%), e a operação cirúrgica foi relatada em (44,8%), o compartilhamento de escova de dente foi observado em (29,9%), o piercing foi relatado em (39,7%), antecedentes familiares foram relatados em (26,4%), tratamento odontológico em (21,8%), icterícia (13,2%) e tatuagem em (1,7%). Transfusão de sangue, operações cirúrgicas, icterícia, histórico familiar e tratamento odontológico foram fatores de risco significativos para adquirir infecção por Vírus da Hepatite C (VHC). Concluiu-se que a implementação adequada de medidas de precaução deve ser necessária para controlar a propagação do VHC em um futuro próximo.

Microeliminação da hepatite C na população carcerária: realmente possível? / Micro-elimination of hepatitis c in the incarcerated population: is it really possible?

ABSTRACT According to the World Health Organization, 71 million people live with chronic hepatitis C. The treatment of this disease requires assistance from specialized physicians and a highly complex health care system. The prison population has been recognized as being at a high risk of acquiring confinement-related infections, including viral hepatitis. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a primary cause of death owing to liver disease among liberty-deprived individuals. Generally, prisons do not have adequate isolation wards for persons with communicable diseases, and overcrowding is a risk factor for this population. Besides prison overcrowding, violence, poor sanitary conditions, low socioeconomic status, social isolation, and emotional instability are factors that can lead detainees to adopt unhealthy habits that make them more susceptible to infections, including HCV, and complicate effective treatment. The Criminal Execution Law 7, 210 of July 11, 1984, in Article 14, grants preventive and curative medical, dental, and pharmacological healthcare to detainees. However, adequate hepatitis C treatment is rarely provided at prisons owing to social stigma and lack of knowledge on the severity of this condition or because most detainees are unaware of their condition. Given the multiple limitations imposed by the prison system model, implementing measures to treat diseases effectively is challenging. However, it is possible to eliminate hepatitis C in prisons in the long term through the coordinated action of public health institutions and the prison system.

RESUMO De acordo com a Organização Mundial da Saúde, 71 milhões de pessoas vivem com hepatite C crônica. O tratamento dessa doença requer assistência de médicos especializados e um sistema de saúde de alta complexidade. A população carcerária tem sido reconhecida como sendo de alto risco de adquirir infecções relacionadas às condições de confinamento, incluindo hepatites virais. O vírus da hepatite C (VHC) é uma causa primária de morte por doença hepática em pessoas privadas de liberdade. Geralmente, as prisões não possuem locais adequados para isolamento de pessoas com doenças transmissíveis e a superlotação é um fator de risco para essa população. Além da superlotação das prisões, violência, más condições sanitárias, baixo nível socioeconômico, isolamento social e instabilidade emocional são motivos adicionais que induzem os detidos a praticar hábitos não saudáveis, que os tornam mais suscetíveis a certas infecções (incluindo VHC) e complicam o tratamento específico. A Lei de Execução Penal n. 7.210, de 11 de julho de 1984, em seu artigo 14, garante assistência preventiva e curativa à saúde, incluindo assistência médica, farmacêutica e odontológica aos detidos. No entanto, o tratamento adequado da hepatite C é raramente fornecido nas prisões devido estigma social ou falta de conhecimento de sua condição ou porque a maioria dos detidos não tem conhecimento de sua condição. Devido a múltiplas limitações impostas pelo modelo prisional, a implementação de medidas para o tratamento eficaz de doenças é desafiadora. No entanto, é possível eliminar a hepatite C em um ambiente prisional de longa permanência através de ações coordenadas de instituições de saúde pública e o sistema prisional.

Prevalence of HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C in pregnant women at a maternity hospital in Salvador / Prevalência de HIV, Sífilis, Hepatites B e C em gestantes de uma maternidade de Salvador

Abstract Objectives: to calculate the prevalence and rate per 1,000 live births of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in pregnant women at a public maternity hospital in Salvador. Methods: this descriptive, cross-sectional study retrospectively collected data from compulsory notifications and medical records of pregnant women with STI seen at a maternity hospital in northeastern Brazil between 2014 and 2017 (n = 520). Prevalence and rate per 1,000 live births were estimated for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis. Associations between STI and other clinical and sociodemographic variables were investigated. Results: most pregnant women were born and resided in Salvador, presented a mean age of 26.4 years, self-reported mixed-race and had unplanned pregnancies. Prevalence and rates per 1,000 live births were, respectively: 0.26% and 3.39 for hepatitis B, 0.06% and 0.79 for hepatitis C, 0.47% and 6.23 for HIV, and 2.46% and 32.2 for syphilis. Conclusion: higher prevalence and rates of infection per 1,000 live births were seen at the maternity hospital in northeastern Brazil compared to official data provided by the Brazilian government, notably with regard to HIV and syphilis. The appropriate epidemiological notification of STI, especially in pregnant women, enables the elaboration of effective preventive strategies incorporating specific sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Resumo Objetivos: calcular a prevalência e as taxas por 1000 nascidos vivos de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) em gestantes de uma maternidade pública de Salvador. Métodos: estudo transversal, descritivo, com dados coletados retrospectivamente a partir das fichas de notificação dos agravos e dos prontuários de todas as gestantes com IST atendidas na maternidade, entre os anos de 2014 e 2017 (n=520). Foram calculadas as prevalências e as taxas por 1000 nascidos vivos de hepatite B, hepatite C, HIV e sífilis para a população de gestantes da maternidade. Associações entre as IST e demais variáveis clínicas e sociodemográficas também foram investigadas. Resultados: a maioria das gestantes era natural e residente de Salvador, pardas, com idade média de 26,4 anos e que não planejaram a gravidez. As prevalências e as taxas por 1000 nascidos vivos foram respectivamente: 0,26% e 3,39 para hepatite B, 0,06% e 0,79 para hepatite C, 0,47% e 6,23 para HIV e 2,46% e 32,2 para sífilis. Conclusão: a maternidade apresenta prevalências e taxas por 1000 nascidos vivos superiores aos dados oficiais do governo brasileiro, especialmente para HIV e sífilis. A correta notificação epidemiológica desses agravos, especialmente em gestantes, permite o desenvolvimento de estratégias preventivas mais eficientes e com enfoque nas características sociodemográficas e clínicas das pacientes.

Um levantamento transversal sobre a soroprevalência da hepatite B e hepatite C entre a população geral dos distritos rurais de Sindh, Paquistão / A cross-sectional screening survey on the seroprevalence of hepatitis b and hepatitis c amongst the general population of rural districts of sindh, pakistan

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Viral hepatitis is a global phenomenon, with the disease burden varying on a daily basis. Amongst chronic infections, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are egregiously linked to severe health-related complications, with a worldwide prevalence of 248 million and 71 million respectively. Amongst the developing world, a hand full of countries are exhibiting a gross decline in chronic viral infection prevalence, like Bangladesh. While countries such as India have a consistent prevalence, Pakistan bears one of the largest proportions of chronic viral hepatitis globally with increasing trends shown year-by-year. Various old literature texts have stated an approximate national prevalence rate around 2.6% and 5.3% of hepatitis B and C respectively. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the current seroprevalence rates of chronic viral hepatitis amongst the general population of rural Sindh using a screening program to determine the current disease burden. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional survey based on a screening program was conducted in 5 districts with a combined population of over 6.5 million. The screening was carried out via the administration of various camps with the assistance of local social workers and welfare organizations. A total of 24,322 individuals met the inclusion criteria and were screened through (HBsAg/HCV) rapid test cassette (WC) Imu-Med one-step diagnostic test. RESULTS: Hepatitis B was found positive in 964 (3.96%) individuals including 421 (43.67%) males and 543 (56.32%) females, while hepatitis C was positive in 2872 (11.80%) individuals including 1474 (51.32%) males and 1398 (48.67%) females. The prevalence amongst the districts varied between 0.97% and 9.06% for hepatitis B, and 1.61% and 29.50% for hepatitis C, respectively. Umerkot was found to be the most prevalent district amongst rural Sindh, while Badin had the least number of seropositive people. The second most prevalent district of the study population was found to be Tando Allahyar followed by Mirpur Khas. The combined seroprevalence of 15.76% was calculated for hepatitis B and C together amongst the five studied districts of rural and peri-urban Sindh. CONCLUSION: The alarmingly high prevalence rates revealed in our study warrant the urgent need to generate multiple effective strategies in the region to enhance awareness amongst the general population regarding screening, prevention, and prompt treatment of the disease.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A hepatite viral é um fenômeno global, com a intensidade da doença variando diariamente. Entre as infecções crônicas, o vírus da hepatite B e o vírus da hepatite C (VHC) estão fortemente ligados a complicações graves relacionadas à saúde, com prevalência mundial de 248 milhões e 71 milhões, respectivamente. Entre o mundo em desenvolvimento, uma quantidade de países está exibindo um declínio bruto na prevalência de infecção viral crônica, tal como Bangladesh. Embora países como a Índia tenham uma prevalência consistente, o Paquistão tem uma das maiores proporções globais de hepatite viral crônica, com tendências crescentes mostradas ano a ano. Vários textos da menos recentes têm declarado uma taxa de prevalência nacional aproximada em torno de 2,6% e 5,3% da hepatite B e C, respectivamente. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar as atuais taxas de soroprevalência da hepatite viral crônica entre a população geral do Sindh rural utilizando um programa de triagem para determinar a carga atual da doença. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma pesquisa observacional e transversal baseada em um programa de triagem combinada em cinco distritos com população de mais de 6,5 milhões. A triagem foi realizada por meio da administração de diversos acampamentos com o auxílio de assistentes sociais locais e organizações de assistência social. Um total de 24.322 indivíduos atenderam aos critérios de inclusão e foram examinados através do teste rápido (HBsAg/VHC) Imu-Med em uma etapa. RESULTADOS: Hepatite B positiva foi encontrada em 964 (3,96%) indivíduos incluindo 421 (43,67%) homens e 543 (56,32%) mulheres, enquanto hepatite C foi positiva em 2.872 (11,80%) indivíduos incluindo 1.474 (51,32%) homens e 1.398 (48,67%) mulheres. A prevalência entre os distritos variou entre 0,97% e 9,06% para hepatite B, e 1,61% e 29,50% para hepatite C, respectivamente. Umerkot foi encontrado como o distrito mais prevalente entre Sindh rural, enquanto Badin tinha o menor número de pessoas soropositivas. O segundo distrito mais prevalente da população de estudos foi encontrado como Tando Allahyar, seguido por Mirpur Khas. A soroprevalência combinada de 15,76% foi calculada para hepatite B e C em conjunto entre os cinco distritos estudados do Sindh rural e periurbano. CONCLUSÃO: As taxas de prevalência alarmantemente reveladas em nosso estudo justificam a necessidade urgente de gerar múltiplas estratégias efetivas na região para aumentar a conscientização da população em geral sobre rastreamento, prevenção e tratamento rápido da doença.

El síndrome de fatiga crónica en el curso de la hepatitis C. Presentación de un caso / Chronic fatigue syndrome in the course of Hepatitis C

RESUMEN Se supone que aproximadamente 80 millones de personas a nivel mundial están infectadas con el virus de la hepatitis C. Un aproximado del 60 % de dichos pacientes aqueja síndrome de fatiga crónica. Se presentó un paciente portador de hepatitis crónica de tipo C, con manifestaciones clínicas de síndrome de fatiga crónica por más de dos años. Se han reportado estudios internacionales que han demostrado la relación existente entre el desarrollo de la respuesta inmune y el daño que ocasiona en el tejido cerebral la infección por virus de hepatitis C. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo la presentación del primer caso que se tiene referencia (AU).

ABSTRACT It is believed that almost 80 million persons are infected with the Hepatitis C virus around the world, and 60 % of them suffer the chronic fatigue syndrome. For that reason we present the case of a patient who is a carrier of the chronic fatigue syndrome for more than two years. Reports of international research have showed the relation between the immune answer and the damage caused by the infection of the hepatitis C virus in the brain tissues. The aim of this work is presenting the first case reported in Cuba (AU).

Brazilian Dialysis Census: analysis of data from the 2009-2018 decade / Censo Brasileiro de Diálise: análise de dados da década 2009-2018

ABSTRACT Introduction: National data on chronic dialysis treatment are essential for the development of health policies that aim to improve patient treatment. Objective: To present data from the Brazilian Society of Nephrology on patients with chronic dialysis for kidney disease in July 2018, making a comparative analysis of the past 10 years. Methods: Data collection from dialysis units, with filling in an online questionnaire for 2018. Data from 2009, 2013 and 2018 were compared. Results: 288 (36.6%) centers answered the questionnaire. In July 2018, the estimated total number of patients on dialysis was 133,464. Estimates of the prevalence and incidence rates of patients undergoing dialysis treatment per million of the population (pmp) were 640 and 204, respectively, with average annual increases of 23.5 pmp and 6 pmp for prevalence and incidence, respectively. The annual gross mortality rate was 19.5%. Of the prevalent patients, 92.3% were on hemodialysis and 7.7% on peritoneal dialysis, with 29,545 (22.1%) on the waiting list for transplantation. Median bicarbonate concentration in the hemodialysis bath was 32 mEq/L. Venous catheters were used as access in 23.6% of the hemodialysis patients. The prevalence rate of positive serology for hepatitis C showed a progressive reduction (3.2%). Conclusion: The absolute number of patients and rates of incidence and prevalence in dialysis in the country increased substantially in the period, although there are considerable differences in rates by state. There has been a persistent increase in the use of venous catheters as an access for dialysis; and reduction in the number of patients with positive serology for hepatitis C.

RESUMO Introdução: Dados nacionais sobre o tratamento dialítico crônico são essenciais para a elaboração de políticas de saúde que almejem melhora no tratamento dos pacientes. Objetivo: Apresentar dados do inquérito da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia sobre pacientes com doença renal crônica dialítica em julho de 2018, fazendo análise comparativa dos últimos 10 anos. Métodos: Coleta de dados a partir das unidades de diálise, com preenchimento de questionário on-line referentes a 2018. Foram comparados dados de 2009, 2013 e 2018. Resultados: 288 (36,6%) centros responderam ao questionário. Em julho de 2018, o número total estimado de pacientes em diálise foi de 133.464. Estimativas das taxas de prevalência e incidência de pacientes em tratamento dialítico por milhão da população (pmp) foram de 640 e 204, respectivamente, com médias de aumento anuais de 23,5 pmp e 6 pmp para prevalência e incidência, respectivamente. Taxa anual de mortalidade bruta foi de 19,5%. Dos pacientes prevalentes, 92,3% estavam em hemodiálise e 7,7%, em diálise peritoneal, com 29.545 (22,1%) em fila de espera para transplante. Concentração mediana de bicarbonato no banho de hemodiálise foi de 32 mEq/L. Cateter venoso era usado como acesso em 23,6% dos pacientes em hemodiálise. Taxa de prevalência de sorologia positiva para hepatite C apresentou redução progressiva (3,2%). Conclusão: Número absoluto de pacientes e taxas de incidência e prevalência em diálise no país aumentaram substancialmente no período, embora haja diferenças consideráveis nas taxas por estado. Tem havido persistente aumento no uso de cateter venoso como acesso para diálise; e redução de pacientes com sorologia positiva para hepatite C.

Incidence of depression in patients with hepatitis C treated with direct-acting antivirals

Objective: Depression has been associated with hepatitis C, as well as with its treatment with proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., interferon). The new direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have minimal adverse effects and high potency, with a direct inhibitory effect on non-structural viral proteins. We studied the incidence and associated factors of depression in a real-life prospective cohort of chronic hepatitis C patients treated with the new DAAs. Methods: The sample was recruited from a cohort of 91 patients with hepatitis C, of both sexes, with advanced level of fibrosis and no HIV coinfection, consecutively enrolled during a 6-month period for DAA treatment; those euthymic at baseline (n=54) were selected. All were evaluated through the depression module of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9-DSM-IV), at three time points: baseline, 4 weeks, and end-of-treatment. Results: The cumulative incidence (95%CI) of major depression and any depressive disorder during DAA treatment was 13% (6.4-24.4) and 46.3% (33.7-59.4), respectively. No differences were observed between those patients with and without cirrhosis or ribavirin treatment (p > 0.05). Risk factors for incident major depression during DAA treatment included family depression (relative risk 9.1 [1.62-51.1]), substance use disorder (11.0 [1.7-73.5]), and baseline PHQ-9 score (2.1 [1.1-3.1]). Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the importance of screening for new depression among patients receiving new DAAs, and identify potential associated risk factors.

Prevalence of coinfections in women living with human immunodeficiency virus in Northeast Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Despite the success of antiretrovirals, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfections continue to cause mortality. We investigated the prevalence of coinfections in women with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Sergipe, Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study. The coinfections investigated were syphilis, hepatitis B and C, toxoplasmosis, rubella, tuberculosis, and cytomegalovirus. RESULTS: Among the 435 women, 85 (19.5%) had coinfections. The most prevalent was HIV/syphilis, followed by tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and rubella. Additionally, 300 (96.2%) were seropositive for cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin G. CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant progress in the treatment for people with HIV, coinfections continued to affect this population.

Enfermedades hepáticas y su relación con hiperglicemia / The relationship between liver diseases and hyperglycemia

La Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) y las enfermedades crónicas del hígado(ECH), definida para esta revisión como cualquier alteración funcional o estructural de este órgano, desde inflamación hasta fibrosis, son patologías que frecuentemente se asocian, y su coexistencia se relaciona con peor pronóstico y mayores complicaciones de ambas entidades. El objetivo de este artículo es describir la relación entre hiperglicemia y enfermedades del hígado, sus procesos fisiopatológicos comunes y tratamiento, distinguiendo las patologías más relevantes, entre ellas la Diabetes Hepatogénica (DH), la enfermedad hepática por Virus Hepatitis C (VHC) y la Enfermedad Hepática Grasa No Alcohólica (EHGNA). La DH es aquella diagnosticada en pacientes con cirrosis asociada a insuficiencia hepática, sin antecedentes previos de alteración de la glicemia. En la actualidad el diagnóstico se realiza en etapas tardías de la enfermedad. El VHC tiene un efecto diabetogénico conocido. Algunas terapias antivirales usadas para VHC evidencian mejoría de las alteraciones metabólicas al lograr respuestas virológicas sostenidas. En DM2, la EHGNA es frecuente, con mayor incidencia de fibrosis, hepatocarcinoma (HCC) y riesgo cardiovascular (RCV). Es necesario realizar una pesquisa e intervención precoz de EHGNA a los pacientes con DM2. En el manejo de éstos, la baja de peso ha demostrado ser efectiva en el control glicémico y en la mejoría histológica. Dentro de las terapias antidiabéticas, además del uso de metformina, debería considerarse aquellas que han demostrado a la fecha beneficios en EHGNA, como son tiazolidinedionas (pioglitazona) y/o análogos de GLP-1 (liraglutide) y optimizar el control de otros factores de RCV.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) and chronic liver diseases (CLD) defined in this revision as any functional or structural alteration in the organ, covering from inflammation to fibrosis, are pathologies that are frequently associated, and when found together are related to worse prognosis and higher complications in both conditions. The objective of this article is to describe the relationship between hyperglycemia and liver diseases, their common physio-pathological processes and treatments, identifying the most important pathologies, including Hepatogenic Diabetes (HD), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) liver disease and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Hepatogenic diabetes (HD) is diagnosed in patients with liver failure associated to cirrhosis with no previous record of impaired glycemia. Currently, diagnosis is made during the late stages of the disease. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a known diabetogenic effect. Some antiviral therapies used for HCV show improvement in metabolic alterations by achieving sustained virological responses. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in DM2 patients is common, presenting higher risk for fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and increased cardiovascular risk (CVR). Early screening and interventions for NAFLD in DM patients are necessary. Weight loss has been shown to be effective in glycemic control and histological improvement. Anti-diabetic therapies, in addition to the use of metformin, should consider therapies that have shown benefits for managing NAFLD, such as thiazolidinedione (pioglitazones) and/or aGLP-1 (Liraglutide), and optimally controlling other cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors.

Hepatitis C in Hemodialysis Units: diagnosis and therapeutic approach / Hepatite C nas Unidades de Hemodiálise: diagnóstico e abordagem terapêutica

Abstract According to data from the last census of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology (SBN), the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Brazilian hemodialysis units (HU) is 3.3%, about three times higher than what is reported for the Brazilian general population. Often, professionals working in HU are faced with clinical situations that require rapid HCV diagnosis in order to avoid horizontal transmission within the units. On the other hand, thanks to the development of new antiviral drugs, the cure of patients with HCV, both in the general population and in patients with chronic kidney disease and the disease eradication, appear to be very feasible objectives to be achieved in the near future . In this scenario, SBN and the Brazilian Society of Hepatology present in this review article a proposal to approach HCV within HUs.

Resumo De acordo com os dados do último censo da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia (SBN), a prevalência de portadores do vírus da hepatite C (HCV) nas unidades de hemodiálise (UH) no Brasil é de 3,3%, cerca de três vezes maior do que é observado na população geral brasileira. Muitas vezes, os profissionais que trabalham nas UH deparam-se com situações clínicas que demandam rápido diagnóstico do HCV, a fim de evitar uma transmissão horizontal dentro das unidades. Por outro lado, a cura dos pacientes portadores do HCV, tanto na população geral como na portadora de doença renal crônica e a erradicação da doença, em virtude do desenvolvimento de novas drogas antivirais, parecem ser objetivos bastante factíveis, a ser alcançados em futuro próximo. Nesse cenário, a SBN e a Sociedade Brasileira de Hepatologia apresentam neste artigo de revisão uma proposta de abordagem do HCV dentro das UH.

Hepatitis C disease burden and strategies for elimination by 2030 in Brazil. A mathematical modeling approach

ABSTRACT Introduction and aim: Hepatitis C is a key challenge to public health in Brazil. The objective of this paper was to describe the Brazilian strategy for hepatitis C to meet the 2030 elimination goal proposed by World Health Organization (WHO). Methods: A mathematical modeling approach was used to estimate the current HCV-infected Brazilian population, and to evaluate the relative costs of two different scenarios to address HCV disease burden in Brazil: (1) if no further changes are made to the HCV treatment program in Brazil; (2) where the WHO targets for 2030 elimination are met through diagnosis and treatment efforts peaking before 2024. Results: An anti-HCV prevalence of 0.53% was calculated for the total population. It was estimated that the number of HCV-RNA+ individuals in Brazil in 2017 was 632,000 (0.31% of the population). Scale-up of treatment and diagnosis over time will be necessary in order to achieve WHO targets beginning in 2018. Direct costs (diagnostic, treatment and healthcare costs) are projected to increase significantly during the scale-up of treatment and diagnosis in the initial years of the intervention scenario, but then fall below the base case on an annual basis by 2025-2036, once HCV is eliminated, due to health sectors savings from the prevention of HCV liver-related morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: Achieving the WHO targets is technically feasible in Brazil with a scale-up of treatment and diagnosis over time, beginning in 2018. However, elimination of hepatitis C requires policy changes to substantially scale-up prevention, screening and treatment of HCV, together with public health advocacy to raise awareness among affected populations and healthcare providers.

Characteristics associated with anti-HCV serological markers in prisoners in the state of Paraná, Brazil: a case-control study

ABSTRACT Background: The prison system in Paraná, Brazil, is experiencing serious problems related to the increasing number of prisoners. Control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become more intense because the incarcerated population is considered a high-risk group for contagious diseases due to the favorable conditions found in prisons for the spread of these morbidities. The objective of this study was to identify features associated with hepatitis C infection among male prisoners in correctional institutions of Paraná state, Brazil. Methods: This was a case-control study (27 cases and 54 controls) of men incarcerated in 11 penitentiaries in Paraná, Brazil. Information was obtained through a questionnaire in a cross-sectional epidemiological survey on HCV infection during the period from May 2015 to December 2016. Eligible men were recruited after testing positive for anti-HCV antibodies. Cases and controls were selected based on serological results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and were matched by age, location of the penitentiary, and time in prison. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for HCV seropositivity. Results: The main significant independent risk factor for the acquisition of HCV infection was the use of injectable drugs (OR = 4.00; 95%CI:1.41-11.35; p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study provides evidence that HCV infection is associated with drug use by this population. This information is pivotal for tailoring prevention programs and guiding specific socioeducational measures that aim to reduce or prevent HCV transmission within the prison setting.

HIV/AIDS in small cities in Midwest Santa Catarina, south of Brazil: Clinical and epidemiological aspects, opportunistic infections

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We avaluated the clinical features, epidemiology, opportunistic infections and coinfections of HIV/AIDS patients. METHODS: We analyzed the records of 143 patients receiving antiretroviral therapy at a public center in the Midwest of Santa Catarina, south of Brazil, from December 2014 to September 2015. RESULTS: Most were male, Caucasian, married, with low education level, and aged 31-50 years. Heterosexual transmission was the most common infection route. Regarding coinfection, 3.5% had hepatitis C, 2.1% hepatitis B, 4.2% syphilis, and 4.9% tuberculosis; 38.5% had opportunistic infections. CONCLUSIONS: HIV infection follows the national trend, but hepatitis B and C coinfection rates were higher, while tuberculosis rate was lower.

Epidemiological survey of hepatitis C in a region considered to have high prevalence: the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is affected by demographic, virological, clinical, and lifestyle-related factors and varies in different regions in Brazil or worldwide. The present study aimed to clarify the epidemiological patterns of HCV infection in the interior region of Brazil. METHODS: This study was conducted in the Southern Triangle Macro-region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, according to the guidelines of the National Program for the Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis. The participants answered a structured questionnaire on social and epidemiological factors. Immunochromatographic rapid tests were used for the qualitative detection of antibodies against HCV in whole blood (Alere HCV® Code 02FK10) in adult subjects by a free-standing method. RESULTS: Of 24,085 tested individuals, 184 (0.76%) were anti-HCV positive. The majority of anti-HCV-positive individuals were born between 1951 and 1980 (n=146 [79.3%]), with 68 women and 116 men. Identified risk factors included syringe and/or needle sharing (p = 0.003), being in prison (p = 0.004), and having tattoos or piercings (p = 0.005) and were significantly associated with the decade of birth. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows the importance of testing populations at risk for HCV infection, including incarcerated individuals, those with tattoos or piercings, those who share or have shared syringes or needles, and those in high-risk birth cohorts (1950s, 1960s, and 1970s) in the Southern Triangle Macro-region.

Fatores associados ao não uso de preservativo e prevalência de HIV, hepatites virais B e C e sífilis: estudo transversal em comunidades rurais de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, entre 2014 e 2016 / Factores asociados al hábito de no uso del preservativo y prevalencia del VIH, hepatitis virales B y C y sífilis: estudio transversal en comunidades rurales de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2014-2016 / Factors associated with non-use of condoms and prevalence of HIV, viral hepatitis B and C and syphilis: a cross-sectional study in rural communities in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2014-2016

Objetivo: analisar os fatores sociodemográficos relacionados ao não uso do preservativo nas relações sexuais e a prevalência de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) em comunidades rurais de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2014 e 2016. Métodos: foram coletados dados de entrevista individual e realizados testes rápidos; as associações foram testadas pelo modelo de regressão de Poisson, com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: foram detectados 3,8 casos/10 mil habitantes de hepatite B e sífilis, e 1,3/10 mil hab. de hepatite C; não foram detectados casos de HIV; na análise multivariada, foram encontradas maiores prevalências de não uso de preservativos entre indivíduos casados/em união estável/viúvos (RP=1,20 - IC95% 1,06;1,36). Conclusão: o grupo com maior prevalência de não uso de preservativo é o de pessoas com relacionamento fixo; novos casos de sífilis e de hepatites virais foram detectados pelo teste rápido, aplicado no inquérito.

Objetivo: investigar el perfil sociodemográfico asociado al no uso del preservativo en las relaciones sexuales y describir la prevalencia de infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) en comunidades rurales de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2014 y 2016. Métodos: se recolectaron datos en entrevista individual y se realizaron pruebas rápidas; las asociaciones fueron analizadas por la regresión de Poisson, con intervalo de confianza de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: se detectaron 3,8 casos/10 mil habitantes de hepatitis B y sífilis, y 1,3/10 mil habitantes de hepatitis C; no se detectaron casos de VIH; el análisis multivariado mostró mayor prevalencia de no uso del preservativo para personas casadas /en unión estable/viudos (RP=1,20 - IC95% 1,06;1,36). Conclusión: se detectaron nuevos casos de sífilis y hepatitis virales por las pruebas rápidas en esta investigación; el grupo de mayor riesgo de no usar preservativo fue de personas casadas/con relación fija.

Objective: to investigate socio-demographic factors associated with non-use of condoms, and to describe the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in rural communities of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2014 to 2016. Methods: data were gathered from individual interviews and rapid tests were performed; associations were tested using Poisson regression, with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results: we detected 3.8 cases/10,000 inhabitants for hepatitis B and syphilis, and 1.3 cases/10,000 inhabitants for hepatitis C; no HIV cases were detected; in the multivariate analysis we found higher prevalence rates of condom non-use among the group of individuals who were married, had common law partners or were widowed (PR=1.20 - 95%CI 1.06;1.36). Conclusion: individuals in a stable relationship formed the group with the highest prevalence rate of condom non-use; new syphilis and viral hepatitis cases were detected using rapid tests during the survey.

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)

Hepatite B e C em gestantes atendidas em um programa de pré-natal em um hospital universitário no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: estudo retrospectivo de rastreamento da soroprevalência / Hepatitis b and c in pregnant women attended by a prenatal program in an universitary hospital in rio de janeiro, brazil: retrospective study of seroprevalence screening

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B and C are diseases with high morbimortality and constitute a global public health problem. In Brazil, the prevalence is not homogeneous, oscillating among different regions, but it is estimated that currently about 1% of the population present chronic disease related to the B virus and that there are 1.5 million infected with the C virus. Despite the development of hepatitis B vaccine, improvement in diagnostic methods and therapeutic advances in the field of viral hepatitis, there is still a large number of people who continues to be infected by these viruses, especially in populations at risk and also due to several factors, including vaccination and migration policies. Vertical and perinatal transmissions are of great importance in the epidemiology of viral hepatitis and the blood tests performed during prenatal care constitute a great opportunity for screening and identifying these viruses. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the seroprevalence of markers for B and C viruses in women who underwent prenatal care at the Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro (Antonio Pedro University Hospital) from 2006 to 2013 and to compare the results found with regional data and those described in the specific literature. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study with retrospective data collected from 635 records of pregnant women attended at the Prenatal Service of the Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Niterói, state of Rio de Janeiro, from March 2006 until December 2013. The database was built in the Microsoft Office Access program and was later exported to Microsoft Office Excel. For the processing and analysis of the data, it was used the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science, IBM) version 22.0, for Windows. RESULTS: Twelve cases with positive HBsAg (1.9%), 189 cases with positive anti-HBs (35.9%) and seven positive anti-HCV patients (1.3%) were observed. There was no significant association between age and positivity for HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV (P =0.205, 0.872 and 0.676, respectively). There was a direct relationship between the anti-HBs positivity and the last four years of the study (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of HBsAg was observed, higher than the expected for the evaluated region; there was a prevalence of anti-HCV, consistent with the current Brazilian reality; and a likely low rate of hepatitis B immunization, with a relatively high rate of susceptibility to this infection and no case of co-infection between B and C viruses and HIV. It is emphasized not only the need to trace hepatitis B and C, without exceptions, during prenatal care, since even though the current advances in therapy may not cure, at least they may allow a better quality of life for patients with chronic disease and the mandatory completion of immunoprophylaxis in all newborns. Special attention should be given to those patients susceptible to HBV, with prompt diagnosis and referral for specific vaccination.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: As hepatites pelo vírus B e C são doenças com elevada morbimortalidade e um problema de saúde pública global. No Brasil a prevalência não é homogênea, variando entre as diferentes regiões, mas estima-se que atualmente cerca de 1% da população apresente doença crônica relacionada ao vírus B e que haja 1,5 milhões de infectados pelo vírus C. Apesar do desenvolvimento da vacina contra a hepatite B, da melhoria nos métodos diagnósticos e dos avanços terapêuticos no campo das hepatites virais, ainda é grande o número de pessoas que continuam sendo infectadas por esses vírus, principalmente nas populações sob algum tipo de risco e devido a vários fatores incluindo políticas de vacinação e migração. A transmissão vertical e também a perinatal têm grande importância na epidemiologia das hepatites virais e os exames realizados durante o pré-natal constituem uma oportunidade única de rastreio e identificação destes vírus. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a soroprevalência de marcadores para os vírus B e C em mulheres que realizaram a assistência pré-natal no Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro no período de 2006 a 2013 e comparar os resultados encontrados com os dados regionais e os descritos na literatura específica. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, descritivo, do tipo quantitativo, com coleta retrospectiva de dados em 635 prontuários de gestantes atendidas no Serviço de pré-natal do Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Niterói, estado do Rio de Janeiro no período de março de 2006 a dezembro de 2013. O banco de dados foi construído no programa Microsoft Office Access, sendo posteriormente exportado para Microsoft Office Excel. Para o processamento e análise dos dados, foi utilizado o pacote estatístico SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science, IBM) versão 22.0, para Windows. RESULTADOS: Foram observados 12 casos com HBsAg positivo (1,9%), 189 casos com anti-HBs positivo (35,9%) e sete pacientes positivas para o anti-HCV (1,3%). Não foi observada associação significativa entre a faixa etária e a positividade do HBsAg, anti-HBs e anti-HCV (P=0, 205, 0,872 e 0,676 respectivamente). Houve relação direta entre a positividade do anti-HBs e os últimos quatro anos da pesquisa (P<0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: Foi observada uma prevalência alta do HBsAg, acima daquela esperada para a região avaliada; uma prevalência para o anti-HCV concordante com a realidade brasileira atual; um índice provavelmente baixo de imunização contra a hepatite B, com índice relativamente alto de susceptibilidade para esta infecção e nenhum caso de coinfecção entre o vírus B, C e o HIV. Enfatiza-se não só a necessidade da triagem das hepatites B e C, sem exceções, durante o pré-natal, já que os avanços atuais na terapêutica poderão se não curar, pelo menos possibilitar uma melhor qualidade de vida para as pacientes com doença crônica e da realização mandatória da imunoprofilaxia em todos os recém-natos. Atenção especial deverá ser dada àquelas pacientes susceptíveis ao HBV, com pronto diagnóstico e encaminhamento para a realização da vacinação específica.

High-risk behaviors for hepatitis B and C infections among female sex workers

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C and risk behaviors among 402 female sex workers in Central Brazil were investigated by respondent-driven sampling. METHODS: Blood samples were tested for hepatitis B and C markers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two hepatitis B vaccination schedules were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections were 9.3% and 0.5%, respectively. Susceptibility to hepatitis B infection was observed in 61.5% of subjects. There was no significant difference in adherence index (p=0.52) between vaccination schedules and all participants had protective antibody titers. CONCLUSIONS: This hard-to-reach population requires hepatitis B and C surveillance.