UNLABELLED

Background. Patients with chronic HCV infection and superinfection by hepatitis A virus (HAV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) have higher morbidity and mortality when compared with those without HCV infection. Therefore, HAV and HBV active immunization has become mandatory in this population and hence their serological markers must be determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of serological markers of HAV and HBV infection in patients with chronic HCV.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One thousand chronic HCV patients at the University of São Paulo School of Medicine were evaluated for the prevalence of serological markers of HAV and HBV infection.

RESULTS

Anti-HAV IgG was positive in 92.3% of patients. When stratified by age, anti-HAV IgG was found in 61% of patients between 20-29 years, 70% on patients between 30-39 years, 85% on patients between 40-49 years, 94% on patients between 50-59 years, and in 99% on patients over 60 years of age. Anti-HBc IgG was positive in 244 patients (24%). Stratified by age, in 4.3% of patients between 20-29 years, 17% 30-39 years, 21% 40-49 years, 24% 50-59 years, and in 28% of patients over 60 years. Of the 244 anti-HBc IgG positive patients, 0.8% were HBsAg positive, 8.5% were anti-HBc IgG isolated and 16% were also anti-HBs positive.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the prevalence of anti-HAV IgG was similar to the general Brazilian population. However, anti-HBc IgG was higher in our patients, when compared to general population of Western countries, emphasizing the importance of immunization programs for this population.