title: Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and associated factors among prison inmates in state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HBV infection and associated factors among prison inmates in Campo Grande, MS.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 408 individuals were interviewed regarding sociodemographic characteristics, associated factors and HBV vaccination using a standardized questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from all participants and serological markers for HBV were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and/or antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) positive samples were tested for HBV-DNA by polymerase chain reaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall prevalence of HBV infection was 17.9% (95%CI: 14.4-22.0). The HBsAg carrier rate was 0.5%; 56 (13.7%) individuals had been infected and developed natural immunity and 15 (3.7%) were positive for anti-HBc only. Ninety eight (24%) prisoners had only anti-HBs, suggesting that they had low vaccine coverage. An occult HBV infection rate of 0% was verified among anti-HBc-positive individuals. Multivariate analysis of associated factors showed that age > 35 years-old, low schooling level and illicit drug use are significantly associated with HBV infection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Analysis of the data showed HBV infection prevalence similar or slightly lower than that reported in other of Brazilian prisons. Independent predictors of HBV infection in this population include older age, low schooling level and illicit drug use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Alcione Cavalheiro Faro
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Stief
authors.forename: Regina Maria Bringel
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.forename: Sônia Maria Oliveira de
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Andrade
authors.forename: Mauricio Antonio
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Pompilio
authors.forename: Sonia Maria
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.forename: Paula Guerra
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Murat
authors.forename: Gina Jonasson
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Mousquer
authors.forename: Sheila Araújo
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Teles
authors.forename: Graciele Rodrigues
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Camolez
authors.forename: Roberta Barbosa Lopes
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Francisco
authors.forename: Ana Rita Coimbra
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Motta-Castro
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D004522:Educational Status; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011330:Prisons / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens