HEPATITIS C: GEOGRAPHICAL DIVERSITY AND TEMPORAL TRENDS OF SEROPOSITIVITY IN BRAZILIAN BLOOD DONORS FROM MINAS GERAIS STATE, BRAZIL

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is transmissible through blood products and is a public health problem in Brazil. Monitoring blood donors may help to understand its trends in the general population. The evolution of HCV antibody prevalence in blood donors from Minas Gerais, south-eastern Brazil, and its distribution in first-time donors are shown. Methodology: From 1993 to 2007, 3,249,944 blood donors were screened for HCV-Ab with ELISAs. Results: Of the donors tested, 8,107 were reactive for HCV-Ab (0.25% CI=0.2441-0.2549). The total prevalence decreased from a maximum of 0.91% in 1993 to 0.098% in 2007. Among 1,283,970 first-time donors in the 2003 to 2007 period, there were 1,792 (0.51%) reactive for HCV-Ab. The cities of Sete Lagoas and Passos had the highest prevalence (0.76%), followed by Uberaba (0.62%) and Belo Horizonte (0.60%). Betim, Diamantina and Ituiutaba had the lowest rates (< 0.4%). Discussion: The decrease in the prevalence of HCV-Ab in blood donors may be due to improved tests, better donor selection and deferral of the repeat donors. The asymmetrical distribution may reflect different profiles of exposure to HCV and may help elicit public health measures that, in turn, will help foster a safer donor population.