Hepatitis B, C and co-infection with HIV in a blood bank located in Corrientes, Argentina

[摘要] Background: It is quite complex to determine in practice the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis B, C and HIV in the general population, given that the relative low presence of antibodies in some countries would demand very large samples. Therefore, the seroprevalence studies performed in blood banks like that of Corrientes city, contribute to knowing about the symptomatic effect or not of these diseases. Data taken from the National Surveillance System that appeared in the National Epidemiological Bulletin reveal that Argentina had in 2001 an incidence rate of 2,1 cases of notified HBV cases, 1,3 HCV cases and 2.9 HIV cases per 100 000 pop. respectively. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis B, C viruses and HIV in regular blood donors or potential donors in the Central Blood Bank of Corrientes through serological testing. Methods: to find out this prevalence, the Blood Bank of Corrientes examined 41 503 records of regular or potential donors. Complete serological studies were conducted such as HBsAg (ELISA), Anti-HCV (ELISA and HIV(ELISA) and VIH confirmation using Western Blot). Results: the prevalence of hepatitis B was 0,38 %, hepatitis C was 0,41 % and HIV was 0,03 %.Conclusions: these figures were significantly higher than those reported in the National Epidemiological Bulletin, because although it shows incidence rates, it does not detect asymptomatic sick persons and the notification is still incomplete in Argentina.

[学科分类] 传染病学

[关键词] : Hepatitis;HIV;prevalence;Blood Bank;Corrientes