[High prevalence of hepatitis B and C markers in an indigent community in Caracas, Venezuela].

Hepatitis B and C serological markers were evaluated in indigent patients living in a workhouse in Caracas, Venezuela. Three out of 146 specimens were reactive for HBsAg (2.1%) and 41 for anti-HBc (28%). Eight sera were reactive for antibodies against HCV, and 7 were confirmed by immunoblot assays (4.8%). Four out of these 7 HCV-positive sera were also HCV-RNA positive. The prevalence for viral hepatitis markers was significantly higher than that found in blood donor population in Caracas. The probable risk factors associated with this high prevalence of blood-borne viral hepatitis were: promiscuity, transfusion, drug addiction, alcoholism and history of reclusion. This high prevalence of hepatitis B and C compels the precaution for medical and paramedical staff attending this kind of patients.