[Comparison between hepatitis B and C epidemiological profiles at a public institution in São Paulo, Brazil]

(Comparação do perfil epidemiológico das hepatites B e C em um serviço público de São Paulo.)

Full Abstract

CONTEXT: Viral hepatitis is a disease of compulsory notification and is very important due to its high prevalence. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological profiles of hepatitis B and C, reported through surveillance at the 'Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual', São Paulo, SP, Brazil, from January 2004 to April 2007. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study revealed 112 confirmed cases of hepatitis B and 651 of hepatitis C. Male gender predominated among hepatitis B while female gender predominated among hepatitis C, statistically significant. Hepatitis B occurred mainly among patients from 30 to 39 years old (P<0.01), and hepatitis C was more frequent among patients from 40 to 49 years old (P = 0.49). Asthenia was the most frequent symptom. The main risk factors were: sexually transmitted diseases (hepatitis B; P<0.01), previous surgery and blood transfusion (hepatitis C; P<0.01). Cases were mostly confirmed through laboratory tests. Chronic hepatitis occurred in 54.5% and 81.7% cases of hepatitis B and C, respectively (P<0.01). Virus B was mostly transmitted by sexual contact (P<0.01); virus C was transmitted mainly by blood transfusion (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The findings were similar to national and international data available. Epidemiologic surveillance plays an important role in determining the viral hepatitis profile in order to provide adequate screening and prevention.

Author information

Author/s: Cruz, Camila Rodrigues Bressane (CR); Shirassu, Miriam Matsura (MM); Martins, Wellington P (WP);

Affiliation: Núcleo de Vigilância Epidemiológica, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual. camila_bressane(-atsign-)hotmail.com

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: English Abstract; Journal Article

Journal: Arquivos de gastroenterologia (Arq Gastroenterol), published in Brazil. (Language: por)

Reference: -2009 Jul-Sep; vol 46 (issue 3) : pp 225-9

Dates: Created 2009/11/17;

PMID: 19918691, status: In-Process (last retrieved date: 11/17/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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