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To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus and C virus infections and their genotypes and analyze the risk factors for the markers of exposure to hepatitis B virus in female sex workers in a region of intense sex trade. Data have been collected using the Respondent-Driven Sampling.
The women have been interviewed and tested for markers of hepatitis B and C viruses. Positive samples have been genotyped. The adjusted prevalence for hepatitis B virus and C virus were We can observe a low prevalence of infection of hepatitis B and C viruses in the studied population. However, the findings of the analysis of the risk factors show the need for more investment in prevention programs for sexual and drug-related behavior, as well as more efforts to vaccinate this population against hepatitis B.
The genotypes of the hepatitis B virus and C virus identified are consistent with those circulating in Brazil. Approximately million persons are infected with hepatitis B virus HBV or hepatitis C virus HCV worldwide, which cause acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. These infections result in one million deaths annually a.
These viruses are transmitted through parenteral and sexual contact a , though the role of sexual transmission in HCV infection remains unclear In addition to having multiple partners, many female sex workers FSW are also illicit drug users.
