[Prevalence of VHB and VHC serological markers among blood donors in the capital state of Veracruz, Mexico].
BACKGROUND
Chronic liver disease has a high mortality among the Mexican population. However epidemiological data on hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infection in the southeast areas of the country is limited. Our objective was to report the prevalence of blood markers of HBV and HCV among blood donors from the capital city of Veracruz, Mexico.


METHODS
Between January and December 2005 we analyzed the results of the screening tests used to detect serological markers of HBV and HCV infection (HBsAg and anti-HCV). We included demographic data of blood donors from the State Center for Blood Transfusion of the capital city of Veracruz.


RESULTS
We reviewed 8,650 blood donor reports and found a prevalence of 0.057% and 1.1% for AgsHB and anti-HCV respectively. Only 2.97% of all individuals with a positive test had been previously screened for hepatic viruses.


CONCLUSIONS
Results from our study indicate that the central and southeast regions of the state of Veracruz have a high anti-HCV prevalence among blood donors when compared with results from other states in Mexico. Further studies should evaluate risk factors in regions with high HCV seropositivity.
Valerio-Ureña
Joaquín
J
Facultad de Medicina Miguel Alemán Valdés, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Veracruz, México. drjvalerio@hotmail.com
Vásquez-Fernández
Francisco
F
Pérez-Sosa
Julio A
JA
Cortazar-Benitez
Luis F
LF
Chávez-Tapia
Norberto C
NC
Ruvalcaba-Rojas
Oscar A
OA
Torres-Medina
Verónica
V
Ocejo-Rodríguez
Agustín
A
D000328:Adult; D001782:Blood Donors; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D014504:Urban Health
D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies