Prevalência da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite A em assentados da região Centro-Oeste, Brasil

Abstract

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a major cause of enterically transmitted hepatitis worldwide. Poor sanitary conditions particularly lack of safe water and sewerage systems have been associated with increased prevalence of this infection. In Brazil, there are more than 1, 200, 00 families living in rural settlements. Most of them have no access to safety water, and many had lived previously in landless camping in poor hygiene conditions. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis A among people living in rural settlements in Central Brazil. From 2008 to 2011, individuals living in rural settlement in the municipalities of Jataí and surround (n=466), Goiás/GO and Ponta Porã, Mato Grosso do Sul/MS (n= 454) were interviewed and blood samples were collected and tested for HAV antibodies (total anti-HAV) by ELISA, respectively. Globally 85.9% (95% CI: 83.5 – 88.0). Of individuals had been previously infected by HAV. None child aged less than five years was anti-HAV positive. Otherwise, almost the totality (98.7%) of individuals aged 20 years or more were exposed to HAV. Concerning individuals with 10-19 years old, the overall prevalence of HAV was 69,6%. In the settlements studied in Goiás, age, history of life in landless, number of people per household and water source were independently associated to HAV positivity (p< 0.05). The results of this study suggest intermediate infection rates for HAV infection in rural settlements in Central Brazil, ratifying the need for public health politics addressed to this population segment that presents characteristics which may favor HAV acquiring and spread. Hepatitis A vaccine should be guaranteed for rural populations.