Recebido para publicação em 06�08�2009 �ceito em 27�10�2009 � infecção pelo vírus linfotrópico de células T humanas 1 (HTLV�1) está associada com desenvolvimento de doenças graves como a leucemia�linfoma de células T do adulto (�TL) e mielopatia associada ao HTLV�1�paraparesia espástica tropical (H�M�TSP), além de síndromes inflamatórias e complicações infecciosas 24 ABSTRACTThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of HTLV�1 infection among remnant black quilombo communities in Central Brazil. � total of 1,837 individuals were evaluated, among whom nine were HTLV�1�2 seropositive according to ELIS�. �ll of them were positive for HTLV�1 by means of Western blot and�or PCR, thus resulting in a prevalence of 0.5% (95% CI: 0.2�1.0). The HTLV�1 infected individuals ranged in age from 11 to 82 years. The majority of them were females. Regarding risk characteristics, histories of breastfeeding, blood transfusion, multiple sexual partners and sexually transmitted diseases were reported by these individuals. The findings from this study indicate the importance of identifying HTLV�1 infected individuals, as a strategy for infection control and prevention in these remnant quilombos.Key-words: Human T�cell lymphotropic virus 1. Remnant quilombo. Central Brazil. Prevalence.observadas em algumas regiões como o sudoeste do Japão, Melanésia, África equatorial, Caribe e �mérica do Sul 20 . O Brasil é o país com maior número absoluto de indivíduos infectados por HTLV�1, possuindo cerca de dois milhões de portadores 3 . Essa infecção é endêmica em Salvador, Bahia, onde uma prevalência de 1,8% foi encontrada 8 . Segundo �lcântara e cols 1 , a introdução do HTLV�1 nesse estado ocorreu com o tráfico de escravos africanos. Estudo sobre HTLV�1�2, realizado em doadores de sangue nas capitais dos Estados brasileiros e Distrito Federal, obteve soroprevalência de 0,1% a 1%, sendo superior nas Regiões �orte e �ordeste, e inferior no sul do Brasil. �a Região Centro�Oeste, a prevalência verificada nessa população variou de 0,2% a 0,7% 4 . Em gestantes, uma prevalência de 0,1% foi observada para o HTLV�1 em Mato Grosso do Sul e Goiás 7 18 , e de 0,2% para HTLV�1�2 em Mato Grosso 25 . �s comunidades remanescentes de quilombos semi�isoladas no Brasil Central foram fundadas por africanos escravizados, que fugiram para locais de difícil acesso, e instituíram sociedades alternativas conhecidas como quilombos 21 . Considerando a possível origem africana do HTLV�1 e a escassez de estudos

Intravenous drug injection has been reported as the main risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence and the epidemiological profile of HCV infection among abusers of illegal injected and non-injected drugs in 5%). Logistic regression analyses showed independent associations between HCV infection and intravenous drug use, imprisonment and increasing age. In the present study, inject-, imprisonment and increasing age. In the present study, injecting drug use was the factor most strongly associated to HCV infection and inhaling or sniffing did not represent an increased susceptibility to infection.Key words: epidemiology -hepatitis C virus -illicit drug users -HCV prevalence -HCV epidemiology Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common cause of liver disease and a major public health issue worldwide (Kew et al. 2004, Scheinmann et al. 2007. HCV is transmitted efficiently via the parenteral route, whereas transmission is less common due to sexual or perinatal contact. Estimates indicate that there are ~170 million people infected worldwide. In the West, the HCV-positive population ranges from less than 1-2% (Shepard et al. 2005).HCV is characterised by a high genetic variability and is classified into six major genotypes. Genotype 1 is the most prevalent worldwide, followed by genotypes 3 and 2 (Sablon & Shapiro 2004). In most Brazilian regions, genotype 1 is the etiologic agent in 60-75% of HCV infections (Paraná et al. 2000, Campiotto et al. 2005. Genotype 3 is the second-most prevalent strain and genotype 2 constitutes less than 5% of cases.Intravenous drug users are considered to be the main risk group for HCV infection and act as a reservoir for this blood-borne virus. Prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among intravenous drug users ranges from 31-98% around the world and increases proportionally according to the duration of intravenous drug use (Memon & Memon 2002). Generally, genotypes 3a and 1a have been found more frequently in this group (Stark et al. 1995, Lanternier et al. 2007.The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HCV infection and the main genotypes circulating among illicit drug users in the capital of the state of Mato Grosso (MT), Cuiabá, Central Brazil. We also tried to identify factors associated with HCV infection in this population. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODSA cross-sectional study was designed in order to assess illicit drug users (injecting and non-injecting) who are or have been receiving treatment either during day visits or while staying in rehabilitation centres in the city of Cuiabá in 2007.The eight main centres offering this service were included. A peculiarity of all of these centres is that they only treat male patients. Thus, female patients were not included. Four other centres that had a small number of individuals in treatment were not visited due to access and logistical difficulties.The volunteers were approached in their respective treatment centres. Those who agreed to participate were interviewed...