Risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection in Inland Brazil: An analysis of pooled epidemiological sectional studies

Abstract

In order to assess the contribution of different parenteral routes as risk exposure to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), samples from nine surveys or cross-sectional studies conducted in two Brazilian inland regions were pooled, including a total of 3,910 subjects. Heterogeneity among the study results for different risk factors was tested and the results were shown to be homogeneous. Anti-HCV antibodies were observed in 241 individuals, of which 146 (3.7%, 95% CI = 3.2-4.4) had HCV exposure confirmed by immunoblot analysis or PCR test. After adjustment for relevant variables, a correlation between confirmed HCV exposure and injection drug use, tattooing, and advance age was observed. In a second logistic model that included exposures not searched in all nine studies, a smaller sample was analyzed, revealing an independent HCV association with past history of surgery and males who have sex with other males, in addition to repeated injection drug use. Overall, these analyses corroborate the finding that injection drug use is the main risk factor for HCV exposure and spread, in addition to other parenteral routes.

A comprehensive hepatitis C virus risk factors meta‐analysis (1989–2013); Do they differ in Egypt?

“…However, this contradicts results reported in a recent MA study done in Brazil. Souto and coworkers found no association between HCV infection and sexual activity and suggested, in agreement with Poynard et al ., 2003 that this exposure is not a very effective route to HCV spread .…”

“…Tattooing has been considered by some epidemiologists to be a minor risk factor for HCV infection . Meanwhile, multivariate analysis showed conflicting results on this issue . Although prospective studies have shown some acupuncture risk factors to be relatively safe , numerous case reports revealing serious complications, including infection with hepatitis, continue to emerge in both industrialized and developing countries .…”

Mortality due to hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatitis B and C viruses in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

“…Souto et al evaluated the contribution of different parenteral routes of exposure to hepatitis C, including samples from nine cross-sectional studies, with a total of 3,910 individuals, and confirmed the use of injectable drugs as the main risk factor for HCV 33 .…”

Seroprevalencia de la hepatitis C en un grupo de pacientes con tatuajes realizados en los últimos 2 años

“…Varios estudios han tratado de evaluar si los tatuajes son un factor de riesgo para el contagio del virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17). En Colombia solo existen 2 estudios sobre sus factores de riesgo.…”