Epidemiological profile of Hepatitis C virus infection in patients from West Region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious public health problem and is the leading cause of liver transplantation due to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In Brazil, it is estimated that there are approximately 2 to 3 million HCV chronic carriers. Few data regarding HCV infection are available in West region of Minas Gerais State. In the absence of an effective vaccine against this important human pathogen and high costs of antiviral treatment, it is important to conduct epidemiological studies for planning and implementing measures to prevent hepatitis C in different populations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the clinical and epidemiological aspects of HCV patients from West region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Methods: Sociodemographic data and risk factors for HCV infection were determined from 74 HCV patients from Uberlândia city (Minas Gerais State). Reactive anti-HCV sera samples were submitted to HCV RNA and genotype detection. Results: Most of individuals were male (63.5%) with mean age of 51 years and presenting low socioeconomic status. HCV genotype was determined among 40 samples and the frequencies were: genotype 2 (45%), 1 (37.5%) and 3 (17.5%). Conclusions: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was common among male and low socioeconomic status individuals.