Hepatitis B and C notified in the adolescent population in the National Databank of Major Causes of Morbidity in the State of Sao Paulo, from 2007 to 2010

Abstract

 The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of teenagers living in the State of Sao Paulo, notified as case of hepatitis B or C in the National Databank of Major Causes of Morbidity. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using secondary data registered in the System in the population of 13 to 19 years old, during the period comprised between 2007-2011. Case definition of hepatitis B or C was based on the laboratory confirmation tests by serologic markers: for hepatitis B, presence of HBsAg and hepatitis C, anti-HCV by ELISA Test (enzymelinked immunosorbent assay), confirmed by the presence of HCV RNA using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We analyzed 616 cases of teenagers with hepatitis B (1.3% of the total of the cases in the hepatitis databank) and 183 cases of hepatitis C (0.40% of the total). In the cases of hepatitis B, females were predominant (63.5%); 41% were not vaccinated with three doses against hepatitis B; 19% had three or more sexual partners; 2% were seropositive for HIV; 10 % had used illicit drugs. Cases of hepatitis C were predominant among males (54%); 30% were not fully vaccinated against hepatitis B; 7,7% were seropositive for HIV; 20% reported a history of three or more sexual partners; 19% reported ever using illicit drugs. Data on hepatitis B and C should be monitored in the adolescent population, contributing to the knowledge of the disease and prevention strategies.