OBJECTIVES:

To analyze the seroprevalence of hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV), and C (HCV) virus infections and to evaluate the HBV vaccination status of individuals treated at the Specialized Reference Unit for Special Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, in Belém, Pará State, Brazil.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Epidemiological data related to viral hepatitis were gathered from participants through a semi-structured questionnaire, and blood samples were collected for analysis of serological markers anti-HAV total and IgM, HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc total, and anti-HCV and molecular biology tests on reactive or inconclusive anti-HCV samples.

RESULTS:

Among the 299 samples tested, there was a prevalence of anti-HAV total of 64.9%, of which 42.6% were female and 57.4% male. A reactive sample for anti-HAV IgM was not detected. HBsAg was reactive in 1.7%, while anti-HBs/anti-HBc in 5.0%, isolated anti-HBc in 2.0%, and isolated anti-HBs in 32.4%. As for HCV, 0.7% of the samples showed reactive anti-HCV. As for risk factors, a history of previous surgery (63.9%) was the most prevalent.

CONCLUSION:

There was a high prevalence of HAV and a low seroprevalence of HBV infection. However, a high percentage of patients susceptible to HBV infection was detected, in contrast to the fact that there is a vaccine for the prevention of the virus available free of charge through the Brazilian Unified Health System. Regarding HCV, there was a low seroprevalence of anti-HCV. It is essential to intensify campaigns of vaccination against these viruses and of health awareness and promotion, emphasizing good personal and food hygiene habits.