Toxoplasmose

Ministério da Saúde. Fundação Nacional de Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Belém, PA, Brasil.Universidade do Estado do Pará. Belém, PA, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Pará. Belém, PA, Brasil

HCV INFECTION THROUGH PERFORATING AND CUTTING MATERIAL AMONG CANDIDATES FOR BLOOD DONATION IN BELÉM, BRAZILIAN AMAZON

Este estudo avaliou fatores epidemiológicos para infecção pelo HCV associados ao compartilhamento de instrumentos cortantes e perfurantes em candidatos à doação de sangue (CDS) na cidade de Belém, Pará, Amazônia Brasileira. Duas definições de infecção pelo HCV foram utilizadas: positividade por anti-HCV detectada por EIA, e HCV-RNA detectado por PCR. CDS infectados e não-infectados preencheram questionário sobre possíveis fatores de risco associados com o compartilhamento de instrumentos cortantes e perfurantes. As informações foram avaliadas usando regressão logística simples e múltipla. Entre maio e novembro de 2010, 146 (1,1%) indivíduos com anticorpos anti-HCV e 106 (0,8%) com HCV-RNA foram detectadas entre 13.772 CDS em Belém. Os fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo HCV baseado em resultados de EIA (modelo 1) e PCR (modelo 2) foram: uso de agulhas e seringas esterilizadas em casa, uso compartilhado de lâminas em casa, compartilhamento de lâminas em barbearias, salões de beleza, etc., e compartilhamento de material de manicure e pedicure. Os modelos de infecção pelo HCV associados com o compartilhamento de instrumentos cortantes e perfurantes devem ser considerados pelas autoridades de saúde local e regional e de países com práticas culturais semelhantes, a fim de fornecer informações uteis para direcionar estratégias e políticas públicas de controle da transmissão do HCV.This study evaluated epidemiological factors for HCV infection associated with sharing perforating and cutting instruments among candidates for blood donation (CBD) in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazilian Amazon. Two definitions of HCV infection cases were used: anti-HCV positivity shown by EIA, and HCV-RNA detection by PCR. Infected and uninfected CBD completed a questionnaire about possible risk factors associated with sharing perforating and cutting instruments. The information was evaluated using simple and multiple logistic regressions. Between May and November 2010, 146 (1.1%) persons with anti-HCV antibodies and 106 (0.8%) with HCV-RNA were detected among 13,772 CBD in Belém. Risk factors associated with HCV infection based on the EIA (model 1) and PCR (model 2) results were: use of needles and syringes sterilized at home; shared use of razors at home, sharing of disposable razors in barbershops, beauty salons etc.; and sharing manicure and pedicure material. The models of HCV infection associated with sharing perforating and cutting instruments should be taken into account by local and regional health authorities and by those of other countries with similar cultural practices, in order to provide useful information to guide political and public strategies to control HCV transmission

Prevalence of HCV infection and associated factors among illicit drug users in Breves, State of Pará, northern Brazil

Introduction: Illicit drug users (DUs) are vulnerable to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The shared use of illicit drugs is the main method of HCV transmission. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Breves, in northern Brazil. We surveyed 187 DUs to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with HCV infection. Results: The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 36.9%, and the prevalence of hepatitis C virus-ribonucleic acid (HCV-RNA) was 31%. Hepatitis C virus infection was associated with tattoos, intravenous drug use, shared use of equipment for drug use, drug use for longer than 3 years, and daily drug use. Conclusions: Strategies for preventing and controlling HCV transmission should be implemented among DUs