Factors associated with seroprevalence of hepatitis C among dentists at a large Brazilian city.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence and sociodemographic data, health-related and occupational factors and other correlates of sero-posivity among dentists in the city of Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 1302 dentists in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. All dentists were tested for anti-HCV using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Individuals positive for anti-HCV were recalled for further evaluation. The presence of HCV RNA in anti-HCV-positive samples was assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Data on demographic, behavioural and occupational exposure aspects were collected through questionnaires.


RESULTS
The seroprevalence of anti-HCV was 0.9% (95% IC 0.5-1.7%). The factors associated to the prevalence of hepatitis C were history of blood transfusion (p = 0.002) and having undergone a test for hepatitis C (p = 0.015).


CONCLUSIONS
The seroprevalence of anti-HCV among dentists is low. Moreover, no occupational exposure was associated to the seroprevalence of hepatitis C.
Resende
Vera Lúcia S
VL
Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Dental School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. silres@gmail.com
Abreu
Mauro Henrique G
MH
Paiva
Saul M
SM
Teixeira
Rosângela
R
Pordeus
Isabela A
IA
D001803:Blood Transfusion; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002947:Cities; D003815:Dentists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D012367:RNA, Viral