Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Guinea-Bissau: A Sexually Transmitted Genotype 2 with Parenteral Amplification?

BACKGROUND: Sub-Saharan Africa is the continent with the highest prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Genotype 2 HCV is thought to have originated from West Africa several hundred years ago. Mechanisms of transmission remain poorly understood. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To delineate mechanisms for HCV transmission in West Africa, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of individuals aged ≥50 years in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. Dried blood spots were obtained for HCV serology and PCR amplification. Prevalence of HCV was 4.4% (47/1066) among women and 5.0% (27/544) among men. In multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors for HCV infection were age (baseline: 50–59 y; 60–69 y, adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.67, 95% CI: 0.91–3.06; ≥70 y, AOR: 3.47, 95% CI: 1.89–6.39), belonging to the Papel, Mancanha, Balanta or Mandjako ethnic groups (AOR: 2.45, 95% CI:1.32–4.53), originating from the Biombo, Cacheu or Oio regions north of Bissau (AOR: 4.16, 95% CI: 1.18–14.73) and having bought or sold sexual services (AOR: 3.60, 95% CI: 1.88–6.89). Of 57 isolates that could be genotyped, 56 were genotype 2. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that transmission of HCV genotype 2 in West Africa occurs through sexual intercourse. In specific locations and subpopulations, medical interventions may have amplified transmission parenterally

Soroprevalência e fatores associados à infecção pelo Helicobacter pylori em doadores de medula óssea de São Paulo Seroprevalence and epidemiological aspects of Helicobacter pylori infection in bone marrow donors in São Paulo

OBJETIVOS: Estimar a prevalência da infecção pelo Helicobacter pylori (HP) e determinar os fatores associados, em adultos saudáveis, doadores voluntários de medula óssea em São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODOS: 248 indivíduos saudáveis, residentes na zona urbana de São Paulo, responderam a um questionário relatando condições sociais e domiciliares na infância e na vida adulta, assim como antecedentes gastrintestinais e principais fatores associados à infecção. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas e o soro foi analisado utilizando um teste de ELISA previamente validado. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da infecção pelo HP em 248 doadores foi de 48,8%, IC95%= [45,6; 52,0]. Na análise univariada, a infecção pelo HP esteve significativamente associada à ausência de água encanada (p=0,040), a escolaridade da mãe (p=0,005) e do indivíduo (p<0,001). Na análise múltipla, os fatores independentes foram a escolaridade da mãe e do indivíduo. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de infecção de 48,8% mostra que na região urbana de São Paulo, onde há água tratada e esgoto encanado, temos uma prevalência semelhante à encontrada em países industrializados. O fator de maior significância para a aquisição do HP foi a escolaridade, seja individual ou materna, o que sugere que os hábitos higiênicos e comportamentais possam ser determinantes da infecção.<br>OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and evaluate symptoms and factors associated with HP infection in bone marrow donors, in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: 248 healthy individuals from urban sites of São Paulo, answered a questionnaire on social and housing conditions in childhood and adult life, as well as clinical gastrointestinal background and main risk factors. Blood samples were collected and serum was tested using a validated ELISA assay. RESULTS: HP prevalence was 48.8%, 95% CI=[45.6; 52.0]. In the univariate analysis, significant associations were found between HP seroprevalence and water supply (p=0.040), maternal (p=0.005) and individual education (p<0.001). Multiple analysis has shown that maternal and individual education were independent risk factors for the infection. CONCLUSIONS: The results have shown that São Paulo's urban sites provided with water supply and sewage systems have similar HP prevalence as industrialized countries. The main risk factors for HP infection were maternal and individual education, which suggests that hygiene and personal habits are determinant to the infection

The role of human T cell lymphotrophic virus type 1, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus coinfections in leprosy

Leprosy spectrum and outcome is associated with the host immune response against Mycobacterium leprae. The role of coinfections in leprosy patients may be related to a depression of cellular immunity or amplification of inflammatory responses. Leprosy remains endemic in several regions where human T cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) are also endemic. We have evaluated the evidence for the possible role of these viruses in the clinical manifestations and outcomes of leprosy. HTLV-1, HBV and HCV are associated with leprosy in some regions and institutionalization is an important risk factor for these viral coinfections. Some studies show a higher prevalence of viral coinfection in lepromatous cases. Although HBV and HCV coinfection were associated with reversal reaction in one study, there is a lack of information about the consequences of viral coinfections in leprosy. It is not known whether clinical outcomes associated with leprosy, such as development of reactions or relapses could be attributed to a specific viral coinfection. Furthermore, whether the leprosy subtype may influence the progression of the viral coinfection is unknown. All of these important and intriguing questions await prospective studies to definitively establish the actual relationship between these entities