ABSTRACT Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) was the first retrovirus discovered in humans and is endemic in several parts of the world. Because of risk behaviors, mainly sexual, men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of acquiring HTLV-1 infection. A cross-sectional study was performed to estimate the prevalence of HTLV-1 infection, to characterize genetically HTLV-1 sequences and to identify risk behaviors associated with this infection among MSM in Central Brazil. A total of 430 MSM were enrolled in this study and three were shown to be HTLV-1 infected, prevalence of 0.7% (95% confidence interval: 0.4-0.9). Phylogenetic analysis showed that all HTLV-1 positive samples belonged to Cosmopolitan subtype Transcontinental subgroup A. Although the prevalence rate of HTLV-1 infection found in this study was similar to that observed among Brazilian blood donors, additional HTLV-1 preventive interventions need to be further implemented because this population is engaged in high-risk sexual behavior.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C and risk behaviors among 402 female sex workers in Central Brazil were investigated by respondent-driven sampling. METHODS: Blood samples were tested for hepatitis B and C markers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two hepatitis B vaccination schedules were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections were 9.3% and 0.5%, respectively. Susceptibility to hepatitis B infection was observed in 61.5% of subjects. There was no significant difference in adherence index (p=0.52) between vaccination schedules and all participants had protective antibody titers. CONCLUSIONS: This hard-to-reach population requires hepatitis B and C surveillance.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of infection by Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) among nursing staff at a university hospital and to investigate related occupational risk factors. Method: this descriptive, exploratory study was performed at a large public hospital in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. From 2011 to 2012, 275 nursing professionals, including nurses (n=40), nursing technicians (n=113) and nursing auxiliaries (n=122), were interviewed and underwent blood sampling for detection of serological markers of HBV infection by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: overall prevalence of HBV infection was 11.6% (CI 95%: 0.1-0.6). The isolated anti-HBs marker, suggesting vaccine immunity, was detected in 63.7% of participants. Conclusion: it is necessary to implement effective strategies for designing diagnostic, education, prophylactic and healthcare measures for the prevention and control of HBV infection in these professionals.

RESUMEN Objetivos: estimar la prevalencia e investigar los factores asociados con la infección por el Virus de la Hepatitis B (HBV) en profesionales de enfermería de un hospital universitario. Método: estudio descriptivo-exploratorio se llevó a cabo en un hospital público, ubicado en Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Entre 2011 y 2012, 275 profesionales de enfermería, incluyendo enfermeros (n=40), técnicos (n=113) y auxiliares de enfermería (n=122), fueron entrevistados y toma de muestras de sangre fueron sometidos para la detección de marcadores serológicos de infección por el VHB por medio de Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática (ELISA). Resultados: La prevalencia global de la infección por el HBV fue de 11,6% (IC: 95%: 0,1-0,6). La presencia del marcador anti-HBs aislado, lo que sugiere la inmunidad de la vacuna, se detectó en 63,7% de los participantes. Conclusión: existe la necesidad de implementación de estrategias de diagnóstico, educación, prevención y atención más eficiente para la prevención y control de la infección por el VHB en estos profesionales.

RESUMO Objetivos: estimar a prevalência e investigar os fatores de riscos associados à infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B (HBV) em profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital universitário. Método: estudo descritivo, realizado num hospital público, localizado em Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Entre 2011 e 2012, 275 profissionais de enfermagem, incluindo enfermeiros (n=40), técnicos (n=113) e auxiliares de enfermagem (n=122) foram entrevistados e submetidos à coleta de sangue para detecção dos marcadores sorológicos da infecção pelo HBV, pelo Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática (ELISA). Estudo aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, protocolo n° 2154/2011. Resultados: a prevalência global para infecção pelo HBV foi de 11,6% (IC: 95%: 0,1-0,6). A presença do marcador anti-HB isolado, que sugere imunidade vacinal, foi detectada em 63,7% dos participantes. Conclusão: percebeu-se a necessidade da implantação de estratégias eficientes para o delineamento de ações diagnósticas, educativas, profiláticas e assistenciais visando à prevenção e controle da infecção pelo HBV nestes profissionais.