Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among recyclable waste collectors in Central-West Brazil

• Published in: Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Vol. 108; no. 4; pp. 519 - 522
• Main Authors: Marinho, Thaís Augusto, Lopes, Carmen Luci Rodrigues, Teles, Sheila Araújo, Reis, Nádia Rúbia Silva, Carneiro, Megmar Aparecida dos Santos, de Andrade, Andreia Alves, Martins, Regina Maria Bringel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde 01.06.2013; Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)
• Subjects: Adult; Brazil - epidemiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; epidemiology; Female; Genotype; Hepacivirus - genetics; Hepacivirus - immunology; Hepatitis C - diagnosis; Hepatitis C - epidemiology; Hepatitis C Antibodies - blood; hepatitis C virus; Humans; Male; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; PARASITOLOGY; Prevalence; recyclable waste collectors; Recycling; Risk Factors; RNA, Viral - genetics; Socioeconomic Factors; TROPICAL MEDICINE; Brazil; hepatitis C virus; epidemiology; recyclable waste collectors
• ISSN: 0074-0276; 1678-8060; 1678-8060; 0074-0276
• DOI: 10.1590/S0074-02762013000400021

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a population of recyclable waste collectors (n = 431) was assessed using a cross-sectional survey in all 15 cooperatives in the city of Goiânia, Central-West Brazil. The HCV prevalence was 1.6% (95% confidence interval: 0.6-3.6) and a history of sexually transmitted infections was independently associated with this infection. HCV RNA (corresponding to genotype 1; subtypes 1a and 1b) was detected in five/seven anti-HCV-positive samples. Although the study population reported a high rate (47.3%) of sharps and needle accidents, HCV infection was not more frequent in recyclable waste collectors than in the general Brazilian population.