Seroprevalence of HbsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HCV in Southern Brazil, 1999-2001

The prevalence of infection by the hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses varies among geographical regions. We evaluated 263,795 blood donor samples collected from 1999-2001 in various cities in the state of Santa Catarina to determine the prevalence of HbsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HCV markers. The markers were analyzed by immunoenzymatic tests, as determined by the Ministry of Health, and the data were obtained from blood banks and from ANVISA (the Brazilian National Agency for Sanitary Vigilance). There was a significant reduction in the mean frequency of HbsAg and anti-HBc during the study period, from 0.98% to 0.64% and from 8.83% to 5.35%, respectively, though they varied considerably among the different regions. There was also a decrease in the mean frequency of anti-HCV, although it was not significant, decreasing from 0.38% to 0.34%. Even with this reduction, the frequency of these markers was still high compared with that found in other countries, indicating high rates of infection by hepatitis B and C viruses. This emphasizes the urgency of vaccination programs against HBV, especially in some regions of Santa Catarina state, in order to reduce the prevalence of this infection and consequently reduce the risk of transmission through sexual relations or from the donation of blood and/or hemocomponents.