Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in individuals with clinical evidence of hepatitis in Goiânia, Goiás. Detection of viral DNA and determination of subtypes

Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo. 2002 Nov-Dec;44(6):331-4. doi: 10.1590/s0036-46652002000600007.

Abstract

The presence of serological markers for hepatitis B virus (HBsAg, anti-HBc IgM and Anti-HBc total) was investigated in the serum of 1,396 individuals who had clinical suspect of hepatitis. It was observed that 50.7% of the individuals were positive and, from the total of the studied individuals, 14.5% were positive for HBsAg. From these, 8.5% were also positive for anti-HBc IgM. The analysis in relation to gender showed a higher seroprevalence index among male individuals (p < 0.0001). It was observed the occurrence of subtypes adw2 (62.7%), ayw3 (23.5%), ayw2 (9.8%) and adw4 (3.9%). The viral DNA was detected in 61 (33.9%) HBsAg positive samples and in one sample positive only for anti-HBc total. These results indicate an important incidence of the HBV infection in this population, and reinforce previous studies regarding this virus in the central west region of Brazil.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification*
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B / blood
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / isolation & purification
  • Hepatitis B Antigens / isolation & purification
  • Hepatitis B virus / classification
  • Hepatitis B virus / genetics*
  • Hepatitis B virus / immunology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Serotyping

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • DNA, Viral
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Antigens