Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in a College Student Population (original) (raw)

Abstract

Introduction: The infections caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) continue to be a worldwide health problem despite the advances in prevention and treatment. These viruses appear as highly responsible for chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer, its transmission is closely related to the use of injectable drugs and sexual risk behaviors. The existence of multiple partners and unprotected sexual intercourse during adolescence are important factors in the exposure to these sexually transmitted diseases. Aim: Determine the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and sexual behavior in a population of students in the area of Health Sciences. Methods: 184 students of College of Health Technology of Coimbra answered a questionnaire and a blood sample, which was tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBV antibodies (anti-HBc and anti-HBs) and HCV antigen and antibodies, using ELISA methodology. The doubtful and/or positive samples were repeated in duplicate. HCV-rea...

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