Gemeinschaftsmedizin und Gesundheitserziehung

Abstrakt

Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Chlamydia trachomatis, Treponema pallidum, Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus in the Marajó Archipelago, Brazilian Amazon

Ferreira GRON, Freitas FB, Queiroz MAF, Lima SS, Vallinoto ACR, de O Guimarães Ishaka M and Ishak R

Background: The dynamics of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, Treponema pallidum and Chlamydia trachomatis infections were investigated in four municipalities of the Marajó Archipelago.

Methods: Epidemiological characteristics and detection of specific antibodies were investigated in 1,208 resident persons. Persistence was defined by the presence of HBsAg and viral RNA.

Results: Prevalence of antibodies was 30.9% (C. trachomatis), 8.9% (T. pallidum), 12.4% (anti-HBc/IgG) and 1.3% (anti-hepatitis C virus). Vaccination coverage for hepatitis B virus was 19.8%. C. trachomatis infection was significantly associated among women, 28 to 37 years old. T. pallidum was significantly associated with older age (>68 years), being separated or widowed and illiterate persons. hepatitis B virus was significantly associated with males, 48 to 57 years old and those with low educational level. Consumption of alcoholic beverages and use of illicit drugs were more likely to be infected with C. trachomatis. More than one sexual partner and absence of condoms during sexual intercourse were risk factors for T. pallidum infections.

Discussion: The transmission of infections will only be interrupted by the consistent application of measures including health education, routine examination, immediate treatment and recognition of risk factors associated with infections.

Conclusion: Severe infectious agents circulate in areas far from large urban centers where population have restricted access to healthcare providers.