The seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C in an Amerindian population in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 1999 May-Jun;32(3):299-302. doi: 10.1590/s0037-86821999000300013.

Abstract

We have investigated the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C among Karitiana Indians (n = 119) living in the State of Rondônia, southwestern Brazilian Amazon. The prevalences of anti-HBs and anti-HBc were 16.1% and 35.3%, respectively, with HBsAg being found in only four (3.4%) subjects. Anti-HCV antibodies were detected in two subjects (1.7%). Age-stratified prevalence data suggest that both vertical and horizontal (the last among adults) routes of HBV transmission are important in this community.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Biomarkers
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Carrier State
  • Child
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / analysis
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies / analysis
  • Humans
  • Indians, South American*
  • Male

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies