Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and HCV genotypes among hemophiliacs in the State of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil: analysis of serological and virological parameters

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2005 Nov-Dec;38(6):496-502. doi: 10.1590/s0037-86822005000600010. Epub 2006 Jan 4.

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to analyze HCV serological and virological parameters from hemophiliacs in the State of Bahia. Anti-HCV was investigated by ELISA in a cohort of 268 hemophiliacs A/B who were followed-up in a reference unit for hemotherapy in the State of Bahia. HCV viremia and genotypes were also determined from a subset of 66 anti-HCV seropositive hemophiliacs. Seroprevalence among hemophiliacs was 42.2% (95% CI 36.5-48.1) and was significantly higher (p<0.05) according to age > or =10 years, presence of factor VIII/IX inhibitory antibodies and other infection markers. None of the hemophiliacs less than 5 years of age were anti-HCV seropositive. Viremia was detectable in 77.3% (51/66). HCV genotype 1 (74%) was the most prevalent followed by genotype 3 (22%) and genotype 2 (4%). Our results indicate that HCV prevalence is still high among hemophiliacs, although HCV transmission was not observed in young hemophiliacs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Blood Coagulation Factors / immunology
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Hemophilia A / blood
  • Hemophilia A / virology*
  • Hemophilia B / blood
  • Hemophilia B / virology*
  • Hepacivirus / genetics
  • Hepacivirus / immunology*
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis C / virology
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies / blood*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Blood Coagulation Factors
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies