Molecular and epidemiological aspects of hepatitis C virus infection among crack cocaine users.

The aim is to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes/subtypes among crack users in-treatment in Central Brazil. A cross-sectional survey in which 600 in-treatment crack users were interviewed and tested for anti-HCV Ab by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted between August 2012 and April 2013. Anti-HCV-positive samples were also submitted for HCV RNA detection by polymerase chain reaction. Positive HCV RNA samples were genotyped by direct sequencing analysis of the NS5B region of the viral genome, followed by phylogenetic analysis. Of the total, 3.7% (95.0% CI, 2.4%-5.6%) were anti-HCV positive. Age over 40 years and history of injecting drugs were risk factors for HCV, while snorting cocaine was a protector variable. HCV RNA was detected in 14 of 22 anti-HCV-positive samples, and the genotypes 1 (n = 10) and 3 (n = 2), subtypes 1a (n = 7), 1b (n = 3), and 3a (n = 2) were identified. The HCV prevalence found among crack users is almost threefold that observed in the general population in Brazil supporting that this population is at higher risk for HCV. The findings of cocaine insufflation as a protective behavior for HCV infection in this population should be explored.

Outreach hepatitis B vaccination of female sex workers in central-west Brazil: immunization status, compliance, and immune response.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the hepatitis B immunization status of female sex workers (FSWs) in Central-West Brazil and to evaluate their compliance with and immune response to hepatitis B vaccination delivered using outreach strategies. METHODS: A total of 721 FSWs recruited in 2 large cities in Central-West Brazil were interviewed and screened for the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers. Hepatitis B vaccine was offered to all women susceptible to HBV, using outreach strategies. The immune response of FSWs who received a full course of vaccine was assessed following the final vaccine dose. RESULTS: We found that 27.6% of FSWs, the majority of whom were aged 18 to 25 years, had serological evidence of previous hepatitis B vaccination. A total of 434 FSWs were eligible for vaccination, 389 (89.6%) of whom accepted the first hepatitis B vaccine dose. Of those, 64% received a second dose and 37.5% received all three doses. Through the outreach strategy, there was a 52.2% increase in the number of women who received the second dose and a 67% increase in the number who received the third dose. Of the 146 women who received a full course of vaccine, 105 accepted testing for quantitative anti-HBs (hepatitis B surface antibody) following the final vaccine dose, and 92.4% of those tested had developed protective levels of anti-HBs. Lower education level, workplace, and length of prostitution were predictors of full-vaccine acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings illustrate the benefits of using outreach strategies to overcome the difficulties of vaccinating hard-to-reach populations such as FSWs.

Mortality Risk Factors for Coronavirus Infection in Hospitalized Adults in Brazil: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented high morbidity and mortality, with associated high socioeconomic costs. Brazil ranks third in the number of COVID-19 cases, behind only India and the United States. OBJECTIVE: To analyze risk factors for mortality in adults hospitalized with COVID-19 in Brazil. METHODS: Observational retrospective cohort study including data from all Brazilian states and regions. The study included information from 468,226 in-hospital patients from all regions of Brazil from 1 January 2021 to 31 July 2021. Data from the influenza epidemiological surveillance system were used. The participants were adults hospitalized with COVID-19. A Cox regression model was used to analyze factors associated with mortality in adults with COVID-19. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality lethality was 37.5%. The risk factors associated with COVID-19 mortality were older age, with a linear increase with increments in age, male sex, black or mixed race, low education level, comorbidities, use of ventilatory support, and living in the southeast, north, or northeast regions of the country. CONCLUSIONS: Our results illustrate the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and reinforce that policies and practices to deal with this disease should focus on groups and regions with higher risk, whereas public policies should promote nonpharmacological measures and vaccination in the Brazilian population.

Analysis of the impact of coronavirus disease 19 on hospitalization rates for chronic non-communicable diseases in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted health services and healthcare systems worldwide. Studies have shown that hospital admissions for causes related to chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have decreased significantly during peak pandemic periods. An analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admissions for NCDs is essential to implement disability and mortality mitigation strategies for these groups. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admissions for NCDs in Brazil according to the type of NCD, sex, age group, and region of Brazil. METHODS: This is an ecological study conducted in Brazil. Data on hospital admissions from January 1, 2017 to May 31, 2021 were extracted from the Unified Health System's Hospital Admissions Information System. The hospital admission rates per 100,000 thousand inhabitants were calculated monthly according to the type of NCD, sex, age group, and region of Brazil. Poisson regression models were used to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of hospital admissions. In this study, the pre-pandemic period was set from January 1, 2017 to February 29, 2020 and the during-pandemic from March 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021. RESULTS: There was a 27.0% (95.0%CI: -29.0; -25.0%) decrease in hospital admissions for NCDs after the onset of the pandemic compared to that during the pre-pandemic period. Decreases were found for all types of NCDs-cancer (-23.0%; 95.0%CI: -26.0; -21.0%), diabetes mellitus (-24.0%; 95.0%CI: -25.0%; -22.0%), cardiovascular diseases (-30.0%; 95.0%CI: -31.0%; -28.0%), and chronic respiratory diseases (-29.0%; 95.0%CI: -30.0%; -27.0%). In addition, there was a decrease in the number of admissions, regardless of the age group, sex, and region of Brazil. The Northern and Southern regions demonstrated the largest decrease in the percentage of hospital admissions during the pandemic period. CONCLUSIONS: There was a decrease in the hospitalization rate for NCDs in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic in a scenario of social distancing measures and overload of health services.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection and syphilis among homeless people in a large city of Central-Western Brazil: prevalence, risk factors, human immunodeficiency virus-1 genetic diversity, and drug resistance mutations.

Homeless people are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and syphilis. We investigated the epidemiology of HIV-1 infection and syphilis among homeless individuals in a large city in Central-Western Brazil. In this cross-sectional study, we interviewed and tested 355 individuals from September 2014 to August 2015. Rapid test samples positive for syphilis were retested using the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test. Blood samples from HIV-infected participants were collected for POL sequencing using HIV-1 RNA extracted from plasma, reverse transcription, and nested polymerase chain reaction. Anti-HIV-1-positive samples were subtyped by sequencing the nucleotides of HIV-1 protease and part of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase genes. Transmitted and acquired drug resistance mutations and susceptibility to antiretroviral drugs were also analyzed. Anti-HIV was positive in 14 patients (3.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3-6.4). HIV-1 RNA was detected in 8 of the 14 samples. Two of the eight (25%) isolates showed HIV-1 drug resistance mutations. Furthermore, 78 (22%; 95% CI: 17.9-26.5) and 29 (8.2%; 95% CI: 5.6-11.4) homeless individuals tested positive for syphilis using the rapid test and VDRL test, respectively. Two individuals were anti-HIV-1 and VDRL test positive. Daily alcohol use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.0-10.4), sex with people living with HIV (PLWH) infection (AOR: 6.8, 95% CI: 1.9-25.0), and sex with people of the same sex (AOR: 5.4, 95% CI: 1.7-17.5) were predictors of HIV infection. Age ≤35 years (AOR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.4-10.8), previous syphilis testing (AOR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.4-8.4), history of genital lesions (AOR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.3-19.1), and crack use in the last six months (AOR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.3-7.6) were predictors of syphilis. Our findings highlight the importance of STI prevention and control strategies among the homeless.

Avaliação de programas de controle de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde: perspectiva crítica da RDC N°48/2000 da ANVISA / Assessment of healthcare-associated infection control programs: a critical perspective of ANVISA's RDC Nº 48/2000 / Evaluación de los programas de control de las infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud: perspectiva crítica del RDC Nº 48/2000 de la ANVISA

Objetivo: avaliar criticamente Programas de Controle de Infecções Relacionadas à Assistência à Saúde (PCIRAS) em hospitais de médio-extra portes, quanto ao cumprimento dos critérios sanitários nacionais. Métodos: estudo transversal realizado em 18 hospitais com Comissões de Controle de Infecções Relacionadas à Assistência à Saúde (CCIRAS) dos estados de Goiás e São Paulo, Brasil. Para coleta de dados aplicou-se formulário online fundamentado nos itens de avaliação preconizados pela Resolução de Diretoria Colegiada (RDC) Nº 48/2000 - ANVISA. Para análise estatística utilizou-se exame da frequência e distribuição das variáveis (média e desvio padrão - DP). Resultados: as CCIRAS atenderam 100% dos itens imprescindíveis, 93,0% (DP = 5,8) dos necessários e 64,8% (DP = 32,5) dos recomendados. Os Serviços de Controle de IRAS atenderam 90,2% (DP = 16,1) dos itens necessários, e 77,8% (DP = 19,2) dos recomendáveis. Conclusão: itens imprescindíveis foram cumpridos, porém os necessários e recomendados apresentam diferentes graus de inconformidades, podendo comprometer a prevenção e controle de IRAS. A aplicação de roteiro baseado na RDC N° 48/2000 contribui para conhecer a realidade dos PCIRAS dos hospitais, contudo, essa normativa não estabelece percentual mínimo de conformidade, dificultando a interpretação dos resultados. Há necessidade de atualizá-la para instrumentalizar os órgãos fiscalizadores.

Objective: to critically evaluate Healthcare-Associated Infection Control Programs (HAICP) in medium to extra-large hospitals, as to compliance with national health criteria. Methods: cross-sectional study conducted in 18 hospitals with Healthcare-Associated Infection Control Committees (HAICC) in the states of Goiás and São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected using online form based on the evaluation items from Directors' Collegiate Resolution (RDC) Nº 48/2000 ­ ANVISA. For statistical analysis, frequency, and distribution of variables (mean; standard deviation - SD) were examined. Results:HAICC met 100% of the indispensable items, 93.0% (SD = 5.8) of the required, and 64.8% (SD = 32.5) of the recommended. Healthcare-Associated Infection Control Services complied with 90.2% (SD = 16.1) of the necessary items, and 77.8% (SD = 19.2) of those recommended. Conclusion: indispensable items were met, but the necessary and recommended ones present different degrees of noncompliance, which may compromise the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections. The application of a script based on the RDC Nº 48/2000 contributes to identify the reality of the hospitals' HAICP, however, this normative does not establish a minimum percentage of compliance, making it difficult to interpret the results. It is necessary to update it in order to provide tools to surveillance agencies.

Objetivo: evaluar críticamente los Programas de Control de Infecciones Relacionadas con la Atención de Salud (PCIRAA) en hospitales medianos y grandes para determinar si cumplen con los criterios nacionales de salud. Métodos: estudio transversal realizado en 18 hospitales con Comisiones de Control de las Infecciones Asociadas a la Atención de Salud (CCIAAS) en los estados de Goiás y São Paulo, Brasil. Para la recolección de datos se aplicó un formulario online, desarrollado con base en los ítems de evaluación recomendados por la Resolución Directiva Colegiada (RDC) Nº 48/2000 de la ANVISA. Para el análisis estadístico, se utilizó el examen de la frecuencia y distribución de las variables (media y desvío estándar - DE). Resultados:las CCIAAS cumplieron en promedio el 100% de los ítems indispensables, el 93,0% (DE = 5,8) de los necesarios y el 64,8% (DE = 32,5) de los recomendados. Los Servicios de Control de las Infecciones Asociadas a la Atención de Salud cumplieron en promedio el 90,2% (DE = 16,1) de los ítems necesarios y el 77,8% (DE = 19,2) de los recomendados. Conclusión: se cumplieron los ítems imprescindibles, pero los necesarios y los recomendados presentan diferentes grados de disconformidad, que pueden comprometer la prevención y el control de las infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud. La aplicación de la rutina basada en la RDC Nº 48/2000 contribuyó a conocer la realidad de los PCIRAA en los hospitales, pero esta normativa no establece un porcentaje mínimo de conformidad, lo que dificulta la interpretación de los resultados. Se hace necesario actualizarla para dotar de herramientas a los organismos supervisores

Low Immunogenicity of Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine Derived from Hansenula polymorpha in Adults Aged Over 40 Years.

The Brazilian recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (VrHB-IB) is based on the expression of the recombinant antigen in Hansenula polymorpha yeast cells. Currently, data on the immunogenicity of this vaccine in older adults are nonexistent. This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity of VrHB-IB in adults over 40 years of age. From May to October 2011, 235 rural settlers between 2 and 93 years of age from the State of Goias in Brazil were eligible for vaccination. Of these, 180 accepted the first dose of the vaccine and 106 (58.9%) completed the vaccination schedule. Multivariate analysis revealed that individuals ≥ 40 years of age responded significantly less well to vaccination than younger adults. Also, a greater proportion of male nonresponders was observed (versus women; P = 0.02). These results point to the need for better evaluation of the immunogenicity of VrHB-IB in older adults.

Prevalence, risk factors and hepatitis B immunization: helping fill the gap on hepatitis B epidemiology among homeless people, Goiânia, Central Brazil.

Data are limited in Brazil on hepatitis B infection among homeless individuals, a marginalized population with high risk of sexually transmissible infections (STI), including hepatitis B. The aim of this study was to investigate hepatitis B epidemiology in homeless persons lodged in a public shelter in Goiânia, Central Brazil. From August 2014 to June 2015, 353 individuals were interviewed and tested for markers of HBV infection. Overall HBV prevalence was 21.8% (95%CI: 17,82-26,41), and 19,5% (95%CI: 15,75-24,0) showed a serological profile of previous HBV vaccination. Older individuals (> 50 years), blacks, and homosexuals or bisexuals showed increased exposure to HBV. The low frequency of individuals immunized against HBV, high social vulnerability, and risk behaviors emphasize the need for health services administrators to provide more opportunities for HBV vaccination in this target population.

Viral hepatitis in female sex workers using the Respondent-Driven Sampling.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus and C virus infections and their genotypes and analyze the risk factors for the markers of exposure to hepatitis B virus in female sex workers in a region of intense sex trade. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study performed with four hundred and two female sex workers in Goiânia, Brazil. Data have been collected using the Respondent-Driven Sampling. The women have been interviewed and tested for markers of hepatitis B and C viruses. Positive samples have been genotyped. The data have been analyzed using the Respondent-Driven Sampling Analysis Tool, version 5.3, and Stata 11.0. RESULTS: The adjusted prevalence for hepatitis B virus and C virus were 17.1% (95%CI 11.6-23.4) and 0.7% (95%CI 0.1-1.5), respectively. Only 28% (95%CI 21.1-36.4) of the participants had serological evidence of vaccination against hepatitis B virus. Being older (> 40 years), being single, having a history of blood transfusion and use of cocaine, and ignoring the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections were associated with positivity for hepatitis B virus (p < 0.05). We have detected the subgenotype A1 of hepatitis B virus (n = 3) and the subtypes of hepatitis C virus 1a (n = 3) and 1b (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: We can observe a low prevalence of infection of hepatitis B and C viruses in the studied population. However, the findings of the analysis of the risk factors show the need for more investment in prevention programs for sexual and drug-related behavior, as well as more efforts to vaccinate this population against hepatitis B. The genotypes of the hepatitis B virus and C virus identified are consistent with those circulating in Brazil.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection and syphilis among homeless people in a large city of Central-Western Brazil: prevalence, risk factors, human immunodeficiency virus-1 genetic diversity, and drug resistance mutations

ABSTRACT Homeless people are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and syphilis. We investigated the epidemiology of HIV-1 infection and syphilis among homeless individuals in a large city in Central-Western Brazil. In this cross-sectional study, we interviewed and tested 355 individuals from September 2014 to August 2015. Rapid test samples positive for syphilis were retested using the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test. Blood samples from HIV-infected participants were collected for POL sequencing using HIV-1 RNA extracted from plasma, reverse transcription, and nested polymerase chain reaction. Anti-HIV-1-positive samples were subtyped by sequencing the nucleotides of HIV-1 protease and part of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase genes. Transmitted and acquired drug resistance mutations and susceptibility to antiretroviral drugs were also analyzed. Anti-HIV was positive in 14 patients (3.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3-6.4). HIV-1 RNA was detected in 8 of the 14 samples. Two of the eight (25%) isolates showed HIV-1 drug resistance mutations. Furthermore, 78 (22%; 95% CI: 17.9-26.5) and 29 (8.2%; 95% CI: 5.6-11.4) homeless individuals tested positive for syphilis using the rapid test and VDRL test, respectively. Two individuals were anti-HIV-1 and VDRL test positive. Daily alcohol use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.0-10.4), sex with people living with HIV (PLWH) infection (AOR: 6.8, 95% CI: 1.9-25.0), and sex with people of the same sex (AOR: 5.4, 95% CI: 1.7-17.5) were predictors of HIV infection. Age ≤35 years (AOR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.4-10.8), previous syphilis testing (AOR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.4-8.4), history of genital lesions (AOR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.3-19.1), and crack use in the last six months (AOR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.3-7.6) were predictors of syphilis. Our findings highlight the importance of STI prevention and control strategies among the homeless.

INTERMEDIATE ENDEMICITY OF HEPATITIS A VIRUS INFECTION IN RURAL SETTLEMENT PROJECTS OF SOUTHWEST GOIÁS, BRAZIL.

BACKGROUND: Rural populations present an elevated risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with hepatitis A virus infection among residents of rural settlement projects of southwest Goiás, Central Brazil. METHODS: A total of 466 residents were interviewed and tested for the detection of anti- hepatitis A virus antibodies by ELISA. RESULTS: The global prevalence of anti- hepatitis A virus was 82.2%. In individuals aged 5-9 years and 10-19 years, the prevalence was 15% and 58.8%, respectively. Persons in the 10-19 age group, with a history of life in encampments, with more than five people per residence consuming well water, were predictors for exposure to hepatitis A virus. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the hepatitis A virus endemicity in rural settlements in southwest Goiás similar to that found in the urban population of the Midwest Region, confirming the implementation of universal hepatitis A vaccination in children.

Vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections in women who sell sex on the route of prostitution and sex tourism in central Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), STD-related risk behaviors, and signs/symptoms of STDs among female sex workers (FSWs). METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted with a probabilistic sample comprising 395 women recruited using a respondent-driven sampling method between 2009 and 2010. The data were collected during face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: most of the participants were young adults, had a low educational level, and had poor knowledge on the transmission paths of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Over one-third of the participants were not able to describe the signs/symptoms of STDs. The prevalence rates of vaginal discharge and wounds/ulcers were 49.0% and 8.6%, respectively, but 41.7% of the women had not sought treatment. CONCLUSION: the results indicate the need for public health policies focusing on the control and prevention of STDs in this population, especially for the FSWs who are active in an important prostitution and sex tourism route in central Brazil.

Prevalence, risk factors and hepatitis B immunization: helping fill the gap on hepatitis B epidemiology among homeless people, Goiânia, Central Brazil / Prevalência, fatores de risco e imunização contra a hepatite B: ajudando a preencher as lacunas na epidemiologia da hepatite B entre pessoas em situação de rua em Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil / Prevalencia, factores de riesgo e inmunización contra la hepatitis B: ayudando a completar las lagunas en la epidemiología de la hepatitis B entre personas sin techo en Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil

Data are limited in Brazil on hepatitis B infection among homeless individuals, a marginalized population with high risk of sexually transmissible infections (STI), including hepatitis B. The aim of this study was to investigate hepatitis B epidemiology in homeless persons lodged in a public shelter in Goiânia, Central Brazil. From August 2014 to June 2015, 353 individuals were interviewed and tested for markers of HBV infection. Overall HBV prevalence was 21.8% (95%CI: 17,82-26,41), and 19,5% (95%CI: 15,75-24,0) showed a serological profile of previous HBV vaccination. Older individuals (> 50 years), blacks, and homosexuals or bisexuals showed increased exposure to HBV. The low frequency of individuals immunized against HBV, high social vulnerability, and risk behaviors emphasize the need for health services administrators to provide more opportunities for HBV vaccination in this target population.

No Brasil, existem poucos dados sobre a infecção por hepatite B entre pessoas em situação de rua, uma população marginalizada com alto risco para infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST), incluindo a hepatite B. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a epidemiologia da hepatite B em pessoas alojadas em um abrigo público da cidade de Goiânia, Brasil Central. De agosto de 2014 a junho de 2015, 353 indivíduos foram entrevistados e testados para os marcadores da infecção pelo HBV. Uma prevalência global de 21,8% (IC95%: 17,82-26,41) para HBV foi estimado, e 19,5% (IC95%: 15,75-24,0) apresentaram perfil sorológico de vacinação prévia contra o HBV. Ser mais velho (acima de 50 anos de idade), preto e homossexual ou bissexual foram preditores de exposição ao HBV. A baixa frequência de indivíduos imunizados contra o HBV, bem como de alta vulnerabilidade social e ocorrência de comportamentos de risco reforçam a necessidade dos gestores de saúde proporcionar mais oportunidades de vacinação para esta população-alvo.

En Brasil, existen pocos datos sobre la infección por hepatitis B entre personas sin techo, una población marginalizada con un alto riesgo de infecciones sexualmente transmisibles (IST), incluyendo la hepatitis B. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la epidemiología de la hepatitis B en personas alojadas en un albergue público de la ciudad de Goiânia, Brasil Central. De agosto de 2014 a junio de 2015, se entrevistó a 353 individuos y se probaron los marcadores de la infección por HBV. Se estimó una prevalencia global de un 21,8% (IC95%: 17,82-26,41) para HBV, y 19,5% (IC95%: 15,75-24,0) presentaron un perfil serológico de vacunación previa contra el HBV. Ser más viejo (por encima de 50 años de edad), negro y homosexual o bisexual fueron predictores de exposición al HBV. La baja frecuencia de individuos inmunizados contra el HBV, así como la alta vulnerabilidad social y ocurrencia de comportamientos de riesgo refuerzan la necesidad de los gestores de salud de proporcionar más oportunidades de vacunación para esta población-objetivo.

Viral hepatitis in female sex workers using the Respondent-Driven Sampling

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus and C virus infections and their genotypes and analyze the risk factors for the markers of exposure to hepatitis B virus in female sex workers in a region of intense sex trade. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study performed with four hundred and two female sex workers in Goiânia, Brazil. Data have been collected using the Respondent-Driven Sampling. The women have been interviewed and tested for markers of hepatitis B and C viruses. Positive samples have been genotyped. The data have been analyzed using the Respondent-Driven Sampling Analysis Tool, version 5.3, and Stata 11.0. RESULTS The adjusted prevalence for hepatitis B virus and C virus were 17.1% (95%CI 11.6-23.4) and 0.7% (95%CI 0.1-1.5), respectively. Only 28% (95%CI 21.1-36.4) of the participants had serological evidence of vaccination against hepatitis B virus. Being older (> 40 years), being single, having a history of blood transfusion and use of cocaine, and ignoring the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections were associated with positivity for hepatitis B virus (p < 0.05). We have detected the subgenotype A1 of hepatitis B virus (n = 3) and the subtypes of hepatitis C virus 1a (n = 3) and 1b (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS We can observe a low prevalence of infection of hepatitis B and C viruses in the studied population. However, the findings of the analysis of the risk factors show the need for more investment in prevention programs for sexual and drug-related behavior, as well as more efforts to vaccinate this population against hepatitis B. The genotypes of the hepatitis B virus and C virus identified are consistent with those circulating in Brazil.

INTERMEDIATE ENDEMICITY OF HEPATITIS A VIRUS INFECTION IN RURAL SETTLEMENT PROJECTS OF SOUTHWEST GOIÁS, BRAZIL / Endemicidade intermediária da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite A em projetos de assentamentos rurais do Sudoeste de Goiás, Brasil

BackgroundRural populations present an elevated risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with hepatitis A virus infection among residents of rural settlement projects of southwest Goiás, Central Brazil.MethodsA total of 466 residents were interviewed and tested for the detection of anti- hepatitis A virus antibodies by ELISA.ResultsThe global prevalence of anti- hepatitis A virus was 82.2%. In individuals aged 5-9 years and 10-19 years, the prevalence was 15% and 58.8%, respectively. Persons in the 10-19 age group, with a history of life in encampments, with more than five people per residence consuming well water, were predictors for exposure to hepatitis A virus.ConclusionOur results suggest that the hepatitis A virus endemicity in rural settlements in southwest Goiás similar to that found in the urban population of the Midwest Region, confirming the implementation of universal hepatitis A vaccination in children.

ContextoPopulações rurais apresentam um risco elevado de exposição ao vírus da hepatite A.ObjetivoO objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência e fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo vírus da hepatite A em assentados da região Sudoeste de Goiás, Brasil Central.MétodosUm total de 466 assentados foi entrevistado e testado para detecção de anticorpos anti vírus da hepatite A por ELISA.ResultadosA prevalência global de anti vírus da hepatite A foi de 82,2%. Em indivíduos de 5-9 anos e 10-19 anos, a prevalência foi de 15% e 58,8%, respectivamente. Faixa etária de 10-19 anos, antecedentes de vida em acampamento, mais de cinco pessoas por domicílio e consumir água de poços foram preditores de exposição ao vírus da hepatite.ConclusãoNossos resultados sugerem que a endemicidade do vírus da hepatite em assentamentos rurais do Sudoeste de Goiás é semelhante a encontrada na população urbana da Região Centro-Oeste, ratificando a implementação da vacinação universal contra hepatite A em crianças.

Vulnerability to Sexually Transmitted Infections in women who sell sex on the route of prostitution and sex tourism in Central Brazil / Vulnerabilidade às Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis em mulheres que comercializam sexo em rota de prostituição e turismo sexual na Região Central do Brasil / La vulnerabilidad a las enfermedades de transmisión sexual en mujeres que venden sexo en ruta de prostitución y turismo sexual en Brasil Central

OBJECTIVE: to investigate knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), STD-related risk behaviors, and signs/symptoms of STDs among female sex workers (FSWs). METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted with a probabilistic sample comprising 395 women recruited using a respondent-driven sampling method between 2009 and 2010. The data were collected during face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: most of the participants were young adults, had a low educational level, and had poor knowledge on the transmission paths of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Over one-third of the participants were not able to describe the signs/symptoms of STDs. The prevalence rates of vaginal discharge and wounds/ulcers were 49.0% and 8.6%, respectively, but 41.7% of the women had not sought treatment. CONCLUSION: the results indicate the need for public health policies focusing on the control and prevention of STDs in this population, especially for the FSWs who are active in an important prostitution and sex tourism route in central Brazil. .

OBJETIVO: investigar o conhecimento, comportamentos de risco e sinais/sintomas de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis de mulheres profissionais do sexo. MÉTODO: estudo de coorte transversal, de uma amostra probabilística de 395 mulheres, recrutadas pelo método Respondent Driven Sampling, de 2009 a 2010. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevista face a face. RESULTADOS: a maioria era de mulheres adultas jovens, com baixa escolaridade e conhecimento insuficiente sobre formas de transmissão do vírus da imunodeficiência humana. Mais de um terço das mulheres não soube informar os sinais/sintomas das doenças sexualmente transmissíveis. A prevalência de corrimento vaginal e ferida/úlcera foi de 49,0 e 8,6%, respectivamente, sendo que 41,7% dessas não procuraram tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: os resultados evidenciam a necessidade de políticas públicas de saúde voltadas para o controle e prevenção das doenças sexualmente transmissíveis nessa população, especialmente, em mulheres que comercializam sexo em importante rota de prostituição e turismo sexual do Brasil Central. .

OBJETIVO: investigar el conocimiento, conductas de riesgo y signos/síntomas de enfermedades de transmisión sexual de mujeres profesionales del sexo. MÉTODO: estudio transversal con una muestra probabilística compuesta por 395 mujeres reclutadas mediante el método Respondent Driven Sampling entre el 2009 y 2010. Los datos fueron recolectados en entrevistas personales. RESULTADOS: la mayoría de las participantes eran jóvenes adultas, con bajo nivel de educación y poco conocimiento acerca de las formas de transmisión del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). Más de un tercio de las participantes no pudo identificar cuáles son los signos/síntomas de las enfermedades de trasmisión sexual. La prevalencia de flujo vaginal y heridas/úlceras genitales fue del 49,0% y 8,6%, respectivamente, siendo que un 47,7% no solicitó tratamiento. CONCLUSIÓN: los resultados indican la necesidad de políticas públicas de salud dirigidas al control y prevención de enfermedades de trasmisión sexual en la población de profesionales del sexo, especialmente en el caso de las mujeres que actúan en una importante ruta de prostitución y turismo sexual en el centro de Brasil. .