Spatial analysis of viral hepatitis and schistosomiasis coinfection in an endemic area in Northeastern Brazil

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2017 May-Jun;50(3):383-387. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0411-2016.

Abstract

Introduction:: This cross-sectional study analyzed the spatial distribution of hepatitis B or C virus (HBV/HBC) and schistosomiasis coinfection.

Methods:: Serum samples were collected from patients with Schistosoma mansoni infection. These were tested for serological markers of HBV/HCV infection. The spatial distribution of coinfection was analyzed using intensity kernel estimation.

Results:: Overall, 9.4% of individuals had contact with HBV and 1.7% of samples tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies. We identified clusters of risk located in the central region.

Conclusions:: Spatial analysis allowed visualization of high-risk areas, leading to a definition of priority areas to be targeted for intensification of control interventions.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Coinfection / epidemiology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / epidemiology*
  • Spatial Analysis
  • Young Adult