Duality of patterns in hepatitis a epidemiology: A study involving two socioeconomically distinct populations in Campinas, São Paulo state, Brazil

Abstract

To evaluate the prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis A in two socioeconomically distinct populations, 101 and 82 serum samples from high and low socioeconomic groups, respectively, were analysed for the presence of IgG anti-HAV using a commercial ELISA. The prevalence in low socioeconomic level subjects was 95.0%, whereas in high socioeconomic subjects was only 19.6% (p < 0.001). These data show a duality in Brazil: anti-HAV prevalence in low socioeconomic subjects is similar to that of developing countries, while in high socioeconomic subjects, a pattern typical of developed countries is found. The control of this infection in our country is primarily related to the improvement of sanitation, but especially for high socioeconomic level populations, the use of vaccination against hepatitis A is strongly advisable to avoid the occasional appearance of this disease in adults.

Prevalence of anti-hepatits A antibodies in children of different socioeconomic conditions in Vila Velha, ES

“…The city has 346,878 inhabitants 17 , living in the urban periphery (low our low-middle socioeconomic status) and in the downtown, near the beach (high socioeconomic status). 32 Rio de Janeiro, RJ NA 97 Oliveira et al 21 Rio de Janeiro, RJ NA 54.3 Queiroz et al 25 Goiânia, GO 80 92.9 Queiroz et al 26 Goiânia, GO 69.7 NA Ferreira et a l8 Porto Alegre, RS 7*/53** 17*/71** Pinho et al 24 Campinas, SP NA 19.6*/95** Vitral et al 31 Rio de Janeiro, RJ 34% 66 Focaccia et al 10 São Paulo, SP 28% 56 Struchiner et al 28 Rio de Janeiro, RJ 12*/36.6** NA Clemens et al 6 Manaus 2 3 Duque de Caxias, RJ 60.3 89.4 * high socioeconomic class; ** low socioeconomic; # urban population; ## rural population; NA not available.…”

Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis in riverine communities from the Western Region of the Brazilian Amazon Basin

“…Most acute and/or chronic hepatitis cases result from infection with one of the hepatitis viruses, named from A to E. In Brazil different patterns of hepatitis viruses distribution are found throughout the country. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is endemic especially among low socioeconomic populations, although a decrease in its prevalence has been observed recently in areas where sanitary conditions have been improving (Pinho et al 1998, Vitral et al 1998a. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is considered a major etiological agent of enterically-transmitted viral hepatitis in several developing countries.…”

Hepatitis E Virus Immunoglobulin G Antibodies in Different Populations in Campinas, Brazil

“…The prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies in blood donors from Campinas was lower than that of anti-HAV antibodies (20). This fact can be explained four different ways.…”