RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar as prevalências e fatores associados com as hepatites A, B e C em mulheres trans e travestis em cinco regiões do Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal com mulheres trans e travestis em cinco capitais brasileiras (Campo Grande, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Salvador e São Paulo), entre dezembro/2019 e julho/2021. As amostras foram submetidas à detecção de marcadores das infecções pelos vírus das hepatites A (HAV), B (HBV) e C (HCV), utilizando-se testes rápidos e quimioluminescência. Amostras positivas foram submetidas à detecção de HBV-DNA e HCV-RNA por PCR em tempo real e genotipadas por sequenciamento de Sanger. Resultados: As análises de 1.317 amostras indicaram taxas de prevalências nas mulheres trans e travestis recrutadas de 69,1%, 24,4% e 1,5% para exposição ao HAV, HBV e HCV, respectivamente. Elevada taxa de suscetibilidade ao HBV (35,7%) e baixa prevalência do marcador vacinal (40,0%) foram observadas. Mostraram-se associadas à presença de anti-HAV: idade maior que 26 anos, autodeclarar-se preta-parda, ter apenas educação básica, história de encarceramento e uso de preservativo na última relação sexual com parceiro casual. Quanto à exposição ao HBV, foi associada a idade maior que 26 anos, cor da pele preto-parda, ter sido profissional do sexo e história de encarceramento. Idade maior de 37 anos, história de abuso sexual e consumo frequente de álcool foram associadas ao HCV. Conclusão: As maiores prevalências de HAV nessa população encontram-se nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. Com relação ao HBV, a prevalência encontrada foi superior à encontrada na população geral, sugerindo maior vulnerabilidade. A prevalência do HCV foi semelhante à encontrada na população geral. Objetivo Brasil Métodos Campo Grande Manaus Alegre Paulo, Paulo , Paulo) dezembro2019 dezembro 2019 dezembro/201 julho2021 julho 2021 julho/2021 (HAV) (HBV (HCV) utilizandose utilizando se quimioluminescência HBVDNA DNA HCVRNA RNA Sanger Resultados 1317 1 317 1.31 691 69 69,1% 244 24 4 24,4 15 5 1,5 respectivamente 35,7% 357 35 7 (35,7% 40,0% 400 40 0 (40,0% observadas Mostraramse Mostraram antiHAV anti anti-HAV 2 anos autodeclararse autodeclarar pretaparda, pretaparda preta parda, parda preta-parda básica casual pretoparda, pretoparda preto preto-parda 3 Conclusão encontramse encontram Nordeste geral vulnerabilidade dezembro201 201 dezembro/20 julho202 202 julho/202 (HAV (HCV 131 31 1.3 6 69,1 24, 1, 35,7 (35,7 40,0 (40,0 dezembro20 20 dezembro/2 julho20 julho/20 13 1. 69, 35, (35, 40, (40, dezembro2 dezembro/ julho2 julho/2 (35 (40 julho/ (3 (4 (

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis A, B, and C in transgender women and travestis's networks, in 5 regions of Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional study includedtransgender women and travestis in five Brazilian capitals (Campo Grande, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Salvador, and São Paulo), between December/2019 and July/2021. All samples were subjected to detection of serological markers of hepatitis virus A (HAV), B (HBV), and C (HCV) infections through rapid tests and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays. Positive samples in the screening tests were submitted to detect HBV DNA and HCV-RNA by real-time PCR and genotyped by Sanger sequencing. Results: Analysis of 1,317 samples showed network prevalence rates of 69.1%, 25.1%, and 1.5% for HAV, HBV, and HCV exposure, respectively. A high susceptibility rate to HBV infection (35.7%) and low prevalence of vaccine response markers (40%) were also observed. Age greater than 26 years, self-declared black/brown skin color, having only primary education, history of incarceration, and use of a condom in the last sexual intercourse with a casual partner were associated with total anti-HAV. Exposure to HBV was associated with age greater than 26 years, self-declared black/brown, history of being a sex worker, and incarceration. Age > 37 years, history of sexual abuse, and frequent alcohol consumption were associated with hepatitis C infection. Conclusion: The highest prevalence of HAV in this population was found in the North and Northeast regions, and the prevalence found was higher than that in the general population, suggesting greater vulnerability. The prevalence of HCV infection in our study was similar to that observed in the general population. Objective travestiss s networks Brazil Methods crosssectional cross sectional Campo Grande Manaus Alegre Salvador Paulo, Paulo , Paulo) December2019 December 2019 December/201 July2021 July 2021 July/2021 (HAV) (HBV) (HCV immunoassays HCVRNA RNA realtime real time sequencing Results 1317 1 317 1,31 691 69 69.1% 251 25 25.1% 15 1.5 exposure respectively 35.7% 357 35 7 (35.7% 40% 40 (40% 2 years selfdeclared self declared blackbrown black brown color education incarceration antiHAV. antiHAV anti HAV. anti-HAV worker 3 abuse Conclusion vulnerability December201 201 December/20 July202 202 July/202 (HAV (HBV 131 31 1,3 6 69.1 25.1 1. 35.7 (35.7 4 (40 December20 20 December/2 July20 July/20 13 1, 69. 25. 35. (35. (4 December2 December/ July2 July/2 (35 ( July/ (3

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis A, B, and C in transgender women and travestis's networks, in 5 regions of Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional study includedtransgender women and travestis in five Brazilian capitals (Campo Grande, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Salvador, and São Paulo), between December/2019 and July/2021. All samples were subjected to detection of serological markers of hepatitis virus A (HAV), B (HBV), and C (HCV) infections through rapid tests and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays. Positive samples in the screening tests were submitted to detect HBV DNA and HCV-RNA by real-time PCR and genotyped by Sanger sequencing. Results: Analysis of 1,317 samples showed network prevalence rates of 69.1%, 25.1%, and 1.5% for HAV, HBV, and HCV exposure, respectively. A high susceptibility rate to HBV infection (35.7%) and low prevalence of vaccine response markers (40%) were also observed. Age greater than 26 years, self-declared black/brown skin color, having only primary education, history of incarceration, and use of a condom in the last sexual intercourse with a casual partner were associated with total anti-HAV. Exposure to HBV was associated with age greater than 26 years, self-declared black/brown, history of being a sex worker, and incarceration. Age > 37 years, history of sexual abuse, and frequent alcohol consumption were associated with hepatitis C infection. Conclusion: The highest prevalence of HAV in this population was found in the North and Northeast regions, and the prevalence found was higher than that in the general population, suggesting greater vulnerability. The prevalence of HCV infection in our study was similar to that observed in the general population.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar as prevalências e fatores associados com as hepatites A, B e C em mulheres trans e travestis em cinco regiões do Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal com mulheres trans e travestis em cinco capitais brasileiras (Campo Grande, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Salvador e São Paulo), entre dezembro/2019 e julho/2021. As amostras foram submetidas à detecção de marcadores das infecções pelos vírus das hepatites A (HAV), B (HBV) e C (HCV), utilizando-se testes rápidos e quimioluminescência. Amostras positivas foram submetidas à detecção de HBV-DNA e HCV-RNA por PCR em tempo real e genotipadas por sequenciamento de Sanger. Resultados: As análises de 1.317 amostras indicaram taxas de prevalências nas mulheres trans e travestis recrutadas de 69,1%, 24,4% e 1,5% para exposição ao HAV, HBV e HCV, respectivamente. Elevada taxa de suscetibilidade ao HBV (35,7%) e baixa prevalência do marcador vacinal (40,0%) foram observadas. Mostraram-se associadas à presença de anti-HAV: idade maior que 26 anos, autodeclarar-se preta-parda, ter apenas educação básica, história de encarceramento e uso de preservativo na última relação sexual com parceiro casual. Quanto à exposição ao HBV, foi associada a idade maior que 26 anos, cor da pele preto-parda, ter sido profissional do sexo e história de encarceramento. Idade maior de 37 anos, história de abuso sexual e consumo frequente de álcool foram associadas ao HCV. Conclusão: As maiores prevalências de HAV nessa população encontram-se nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. Com relação ao HBV, a prevalência encontrada foi superior à encontrada na população geral, sugerindo maior vulnerabilidade. A prevalência do HCV foi semelhante à encontrada na população geral.

ABSTRACT The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a public health problem. The high level of HCV replication and its lack of post-transcriptional correction mechanisms results in the emergence of viral variants and the difficulty in determining polymorphisms and variants that contain the substitutions associated with resistance towards new antivirals. The main focus of this study was to map the NS5A and NS5B polymorphisms and resistance mutations to new antiviral drugs in HCV strains genotype 1 from patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. Serum samples were collected from patients who underwent routine viral load tests at the Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo city, Brazil. A total of 698 and 853 samples were used for the characterization of NS5A and NS5B regions, respectively, which comprise the HCV genotypes 1a and 1b. The prevalence of resistance mutations found in the NS5A region was 6.4%, with Y93H, L31M, Q30R, and Y93N as the main resistance-associated substitutions (RAS). No NS5B-associated RAS was observed for any of the analyzed drugs. These findings support that the RAS test should be offered to individuals with poor response to double combination regimens prior to treatment initiation, thereby assisting strain vigilance and selection of effective treatment or retreatment options using DAA regimens.

ABSTRACT In Brazil, few studies on the molecular aspects of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have been conducted in the interior regions of Sao Paulo State. This study aimed to identify HBV genotypes and evaluate strains with resistance mutations for nucleoside analogues in the Administrative Region (AR) of the municipality of Sao Jose do Rio Preto. We performed nested PCRs of 127 samples from the Health Care Services of the AR to amplify, sequence and analyze fragments of the HBV DNA, in order to identify genotypes and resistance mutations. The HBV S/Pol regions of 126 samples were successfully amplified and sequenced. Five different genotypes were found, and the main ones were A, D and F; a greater number of samples contained the subgenotypes A1 (n = 51; 40.5%), D3 (n = 36; 28.6%), A2 (n = 14; 11.1%) and F2a (n = 9; 7.1%). Resistance mutations (rtM204V/I/S) associated or not with compensatory mutations (rtL180M, rtV173L) were identified in 13.9% (5/36) of patients undergoing viral treatment and 1.1% (1/90) of naïve patients. The diversity of genotypes/subgenotypes found is probably due to the intense migration occurring in the region. These data can complement epidemiological and clinical surveillance, and can be used for a more effective management of chronic HBV patients.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: HBV and HIV have identical transmission routes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV in HIV patients and to detect the presence of occult HBV infection. METHODS: All samples were tested for serology markers and using qPCR. RESULTS: This study included 232 individuals, out of which 36.6% presented with HBV markers and 11.8% presented with HBsAg or HBV-DNA, including 3 patients that showed OBI. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high prevalence of HBV among HIV patients. In addition, the results suggest that OBI can occur in patients with serological profiles that are indicative of past infection. Therefore, the application of molecular tests may enable the identification of infections that are not evident solely based on serology.

Abstract INTRODUCTION Human retroviruses and the hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV, respectively) share routes of transmission; thus, coinfections occur and could alter subsequent disease outcomes. A preliminary study on human T-lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) in serum samples from HBV- and HCV-infected individuals in São Paulo revealed 1.3% and 5.3% rates of coinfection, respectively. These percentages were of concern since they were detected in HTLV-endemic regions and in high-risk individuals in Brazil. The present study was conducted to extend and confirm these data. METHODS HTLV-1/2 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection status were identified in 1,984 sera for HBV and HCV viral load quantification - 1,290 samples from HBV-infected individuals (53.3% men, mean age: 47.1 years) and 694 samples from HCV-infected individuals (56.3% men, mean age: 50.1 years). HTLV-1/2 antibodies were detected by enzyme immunoassay, followed by western blotting and line immunoassay; HIV infection was detected by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS HTLV-1/-2 infection was detected in 1.9% HBV-infected individuals (0.7% HTLV-1 and 1.2% HTLV-2) and in 4.0% (2.4% HTLV-1 and 1.6% HTLV-2) HCV-infected individuals; HIV infection was detected in 9.2% and 14.5%, respectively. Strong associations with HTLV and HIV, male sex, and older age were found in HBV/HTLV and HCV/HTLV-coinfected individuals (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 were confirmed to be prevalent in individuals with HBV and HCV in São Paulo; coinfected individuals deserve further clinical and laboratory investigation.

Resumo Objetivo: descrever a ocorrência da hepatite B entre gestantes, a realização de imunoprofilaxia e a transmissão vertical e perinatal nas crianças expostas ao vírus na rede de Atenção Primária à Saúde do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: estudo transversal sobre registros de pré-natal de gestantes atendidas de janeiro a junho de 2012 e coorte dos recém-nascidos; foram descritas as frequências dos resultados e calculada a estimativa da ocorrência da hepatite B. Resultados: foram incluídas 6.233 gestantes, das quais 53,1% com 20 a 29 anos de idade, 58,7% com 8 a 11 anos de estudo, 53,3% brancas e 73,9% com companheiro; a ocorrência de hepatite B foi de 0,13% (IC95%: 0,04 a 0,21%); das oito crianças de mães com hepatite B crônica, seis tiveram esquema vacinal completo e não houve transmissão vertical ou perinatal. Conclusão: observou-se baixa ocorrência de hepatite B em gestantes e ausência de transmissão vertical ou perinatal.

Abstract Objective: to describe the occurrence of hepatitis B among pregnant women, immunoprophylaxis and vertical and perinatal transmission in children exposed to the virus in the São Paulo state primary care network, Brazil. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study using prenatal records of pregnant women attending health services between January and June 2012 and a cohort of newborns; the frequencies of the results were described and the estimated occurrence of hepatitis B was calculated. Results: 6,233 pregnant women were included, of whom 53.1% were between 20-29 years old, 58.7% had 8-11 years of schooling, 53.3% were white, and 73.9% lived with a partner; occurrence of hepatitis B was 0.13% (95%CI 0.04; 0.21); of the eight children of mothers with chronic hepatitis B, six had a complete vaccination schedule, and there was no vertical or perinatal transmission. Conclusion: there was low occurrence of hepatitis B in pregnant women and absence of vertical or perinatal transmission.

Resumen Objetivo: describir el aparecimiento de hepatitis B en mujeres embarazadas, la inmunoprofilaxis y la transmisión vertical y perinatal en niños expuestos al virus en la red de atención primaria en el estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: estudio transversal con registros prenatales de mujeres embarazadas atendidas de enero a junio de 2012 y cohorte de recién nacidos; se describieron las frecuencias y se calculó el surgimiento de la hepatitis B. Resultados: se incluyeron 6.233 gestantes, de las cuales 53,1% con 20 a 29 años de edad, 58,7% con 8 a 11 años de estudios, 53,3% blancas y 73,9% viviendo en pareja; la ocurrencia de hepatitis B fue del 0,13% (IC95%: 0,04 to 0,21%); entre ocho hijos de madres con hepatitis B crónica, seis tenía un calendario de vacunación completo y no había transmisión vertical o perinatal. Conclusión: hubo baja ocurrencia de hepatitis B en mujeres embarazadas y ausencia de transmisión vertical o perinatal.

Resumo Objetivo: descrever a ocorrência da hepatite B entre gestantes, a realização de imunoprofilaxia e a transmissão vertical e perinatal nas crianças expostas ao vírus na rede de Atenção Primária à Saúde do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: estudo transversal sobre registros de pré-natal de gestantes atendidas de janeiro a junho de 2012 e coorte dos recém-nascidos; foram descritas as frequências dos resultados e calculada a estimativa da ocorrência da hepatite B. Resultados: foram incluídas 6.233 gestantes, das quais 53,1% com 20 a 29 anos de idade, 58,7% com 8 a 11 anos de estudo, 53,3% brancas e 73,9% com companheiro; a ocorrência de hepatite B foi de 0,13% (IC95%: 0,04 a 0,21%); das oito crianças de mães com hepatite B crônica, seis tiveram esquema vacinal completo e não houve transmissão vertical ou perinatal. Conclusão: observou-se baixa ocorrência de hepatite B em gestantes e ausência de transmissão vertical ou perinatal.

Abstract Objective: to describe the occurrence of hepatitis B among pregnant women, immunoprophylaxis and vertical and perinatal transmission in children exposed to the virus in the São Paulo state primary care network, Brazil. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study using prenatal records of pregnant women attending health services between January and June 2012 and a cohort of newborns; the frequencies of the results were described and the estimated occurrence of hepatitis B was calculated. Results: 6,233 pregnant women were included, of whom 53.1% were between 20-29 years old, 58.7% had 8-11 years of schooling, 53.3% were white, and 73.9% lived with a partner; occurrence of hepatitis B was 0.13% (95%CI 0.04; 0.21); of the eight children of mothers with chronic hepatitis B, six had a complete vaccination schedule, and there was no vertical or perinatal transmission. Conclusion: there was low occurrence of hepatitis B in pregnant women and absence of vertical or perinatal transmission.

Resumen Objetivo: describir el aparecimiento de hepatitis B en mujeres embarazadas, la inmunoprofilaxis y la transmisión vertical y perinatal en niños expuestos al virus en la red de atención primaria en el estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: estudio transversal con registros prenatales de mujeres embarazadas atendidas de enero a junio de 2012 y cohorte de recién nacidos; se describieron las frecuencias y se calculó el surgimiento de la hepatitis B. Resultados: se incluyeron 6.233 gestantes, de las cuales 53,1% con 20 a 29 años de edad, 58,7% con 8 a 11 años de estudios, 53,3% blancas y 73,9% viviendo en pareja; la ocurrencia de hepatitis B fue del 0,13% (IC95%: 0,04 to 0,21%); entre ocho hijos de madres con hepatitis B crónica, seis tenía un calendario de vacunación completo y no había transmisión vertical o perinatal. Conclusión: hubo baja ocurrencia de hepatitis B en mujeres embarazadas y ausencia de transmisión vertical o perinatal.

RESUMO: Introdução: Este artigo detalha os métodos utilizados na segunda Pesquisa Nacional de Vigilância Biológica e Comportamental (BBSS) do HIV, sífilis e hepatite B e C entre os homens que fazem sexo com homens no Brasil. Métodos: O método Respondent-driven Sampling (RDS) foi utilizado em 12 cidades em 2016. A amostra foi iniciada com cinco a seis sementes em cada cidade. Testes rápidos para o HIV, sífilis e Hepatite B e C foram oferecidos aos participantes. O software RDS Analyst com o estimador de amostragem sucessiva (SS) de Gile foi utilizado para ajustar os resultados como recomendado, gerando um peso para cada indivíduo para análises. Osdados das 12cidades foram unidos em um único banco e analisados usando as ferramentas de dados complexos do Stata 14.0, com cada cidade sendo tratada como seu próprio estrato. Resultados: A duração da coleta de dados variou de 5,9 a 17,6 semanas e 4.176 homens foram recrutados nas 12 cidades. Dois sites não alcançaram o tamanho da amostra alvo devido a uma demora de seis meses na aprovação local do Comitê de Ética. Todas as cidades atingiram a convergência na principal variável estudada (HIV). Conclusão: O BBSS foi representativo e concluído conforme planejado e dentro do orçamento. A descrição dos métodos aqui é mais detalhada do que o habitual, devido às novas ferramentas e requisitos de diagnóstico das novas diretrizes do STROBE-RDS.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: This paper details the methods used in the second national Biological and Behavioral Surveillance Survey (BBSS) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C among men who have sex with men in Brazil. Methods: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used in 12 cities in 2016. The targeted sample size was initiated with five to six seeds in each city. HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C rapid tests were offered to participants. RDS Analyst with Gile’s successive sampling (SS) estimator was used to adjust results as recommended and a weight for each individual was generated for further analysis. Data for the 12 cities were merged and analyzed using Stata 14.0 complex survey data tools with each city treated as its own stratum. Results: Duration of data collection varied from 5.9 to 17.6 weeks. 4,176 men were recruited in the 12 cities. Two sites failed to achieve targeted sample size due to a six-month delay in local IRB approval. No city failed to reach convergence in our major outcome variable (HIV). Conclusion: The comprehensive BBSS was completed as planned and on budget. The description of methods here is more detailed than usual, due to new diagnostic tools and requirements of the new STROBE-RDS guidelines.

RESUMO: Introdução: Este artigo detalha os métodos utilizados na segunda Pesquisa Nacional de Vigilância Biológica e Comportamental (BBSS) do HIV, sífilis e hepatite B e C entre os homens que fazem sexo com homens no Brasil. Métodos: O método Respondent-driven Sampling (RDS) foi utilizado em 12 cidades em 2016. A amostra foi iniciada com cinco a seis sementes em cada cidade. Testes rápidos para o HIV, sífilis e Hepatite B e C foram oferecidos aos participantes. O software RDS Analyst com o estimador de amostragem sucessiva (SS) de Gile foi utilizado para ajustar os resultados como recomendado, gerando um peso para cada indivíduo para análises. Osdados das 12cidades foram unidos em um único banco e analisados usando as ferramentas de dados complexos do Stata 14.0, com cada cidade sendo tratada como seu próprio estrato. Resultados: A duração da coleta de dados variou de 5,9 a 17,6 semanas e 4.176 homens foram recrutados nas 12 cidades. Dois sites não alcançaram o tamanho da amostra alvo devido a uma demora de seis meses na aprovação local do Comitê de Ética. Todas as cidades atingiram a convergência na principal variável estudada (HIV). Conclusão: O BBSS foi representativo e concluído conforme planejado e dentro do orçamento. A descrição dos métodos aqui é mais detalhada do que o habitual, devido às novas ferramentas e requisitos de diagnóstico das novas diretrizes do STROBE-RDS.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: This paper details the methods used in the second national Biological and Behavioral Surveillance Survey (BBSS) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C among men who have sex with men in Brazil. Methods: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used in 12 cities in 2016. The targeted sample size was initiated with five to six seeds in each city. HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C rapid tests were offered to participants. RDS Analyst with Gile’s successive sampling (SS) estimator was used to adjust results as recommended and a weight for each individual was generated for further analysis. Data for the 12 cities were merged and analyzed using Stata 14.0 complex survey data tools with each city treated as its own stratum. Results: Duration of data collection varied from 5.9 to 17.6 weeks. 4,176 men were recruited in the 12 cities. Two sites failed to achieve targeted sample size due to a six-month delay in local IRB approval. No city failed to reach convergence in our major outcome variable (HIV). Conclusion: The comprehensive BBSS was completed as planned and on budget. The description of methods here is more detailed than usual, due to new diagnostic tools and requirements of the new STROBE-RDS guidelines.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have identical transmission routes, explaining the high prevalence of coinfections. The main aim of this study was to detect fluctuations in serological HCV levels in HIV patients. METHODS: We analyzed samples of 147 patients who attended an outpatient service that supports HIV/AIDS patients in São Paulo city. We also recruited 22 HCV-monoinfected patients who attended the Instituto Adolfo Lutz Laboratory in São Paulo city, to compare the test results. Serological testing of the blood samples was performed for the detection of HCV antibodies. The samples were then analyzed using real-time PCR for RNA viral quantification and sequencing. RESULTS We found that 13.6% of the study population was coinfected with HIV and HCV. In 20% of coinfected patients, fluctuations in serology results were detected in samples collected during the follow-up. No changes in anti-HCV serological markers were observed in HCV-monoinfected patients. An HCV viral load was detected in 9,5% of the samples collected from HIV patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide important clinical data to public health professionals and highlight the importance of periodic monitoring of HCV/HIV coinfected patients.

ABSTRACT Co-infections of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and either human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) or type 2 (HTLV-2) have been described as having an impact on HCV viremia and subsequent disease progression. HCV load in serum samples from 622 patients (343 males, 279 females; median age 50.8 years) from São Paulo/southeast Brazil was analyzed using the Abbott Real Time HCV assay (Abbott Molecular Inc., IL, USA). Samples were obtained from HCV-monoinfected (n = 548), HCV/HIV-1- (n = 41), HCV/HTLV-1- (n = 16), HCV/HTLV-2- (n = 8), HCV/HIV/HTLV-1- (n = 4), and HCV/HIV/HTLV-2-co-infected (n = 5) patients, and results were compared among the groups and according to sex. The median HCV load in HCV-monoinfected patients was 5.23 log10 IU/mL and 0.31 log10 higher in men than in women. Increases in viral load of 0.51 log10, 0.54 log10, and 1.43 log10 IU/mL were detected in HCV/HIV-1-, HCV/HTLV-1- and HCV/HIV/HTLV-1-co-infected individuals, respectively, compared with HCV-monoinfected counterparts. In contrast, compared to HCV/HIV co-infected patients, HCV/HTLV-2-co-infected patients had an HCV load of 5.0 log10 IU/mL, whereas HCV/HIV/HTLV-2-co-infected patients had a median load 0.37 log10 IU/mL lower. Significant differences in HCV loads were detected, with males and HCV/HIV-1- and HCV/HIV/HTLV-1-co-infected patients presenting the highest values. Conversely, females and HCV/HTLV-2-co-infected patients exhibited lower HCV loads. Overall, HCV viremia is increased in HIV and/or HTLV-1-co-infection and decreased in HTLV-2 co-infection.

With this study, the authors hope to alert clinicians regarding the presence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/-2) infections in patients with viral hepatitis B and C in Brazil. HTLV-1/-2 were detected in 1.3% of hepatitis B virus (HBV)- and 5.3% of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected blood samples sent for laboratory viral load measurements. A partial association of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 and HTLV-1/-2 infection was detected in patients with HCV (HIV+, 27.3%), whereas this association was almost 100% in HBV-infected patients (HIV+, all except one). The high prevalence of HTLV-1/-2 infection among patients with hepatitis C was of concern, as HTLV-1/-2 could change the natural course of subsequent liver disease. The authors suggest including HTLV-1/-2 serology in the battery of tests used when following patients with viral hepatitis in Brazil, regardless of the HIV status.

This study aimed to standardise an in-house real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) to allow quantification of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum or plasma samples, and to compare this method with two commercial assays, the Cobas Amplicor HBV monitor and the Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HBV test. Samples from 397 patients from the state of São Paulo were analysed by all three methods. Fifty-two samples were from patients who were human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus positive, but HBV negative. Genotypes were characterised, and the viral load was measure in each sample. The in-house rtPCR showed an excellent success rate compared with commercial tests; inter-assay and intra-assay coefficients correlated with commercial tests (r = 0.96 and r = 0.913, p < 0.001) and the in-house test showed no genotype-dependent differences in detection and quantification rates. The in-house assay tested in this study could be used for screening and quantifying HBV DNA in order to monitor patients during therapy.

Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os genótipos do HBV nas amostras de soros recebidas pelo Laboratório de Hepatites do Centro de Virologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz. Métodos: foram analisadas aleatoriamente 94 amostras de soropositivas, provenientes de diversos municípios do Estado de São Paulo. Para determinação dos genótipos, foi realizada Nested-PCR das regiões S e Pol do HBV. Os genótipos foram identificados comparando os resultados amplificados com as sequências depositadas no GenBank. Resultados: foi possível determinar o genótipo de 91 (97%) amostras do total analisado e os genótipos identificados foram: genótipos A (55,3%), D (32%), F (5,3%), C (3,2%) e G (1%). Há poucos dados a respeito da epidemiologia do genótipo G. Esse genótipo tem sido detectado em áreas restritas do mundo. Geralmente, a infecção pelo genótipo G ocorre em indivíduos HIV positivos do sexo masculino. Neste trabalho, a amostra identificada como G foi também positiva para HIV e era de uma paciente do sexo feminino, dado raro na literatura científica. Conclusão: neste trabalho, foram identificados os genótipos mais frequentes, assim como uma cepa do genótipo G, rara entre os encontrados em nosso meio.

Objective: the aim of this study was to identify HBV genotypes in serum samples from patients from the state of São Paulo, received by the viral hepatitis laboratory, at the Virology Centre of Instituto Adolfo Lutz, from various municipalities. Methods: a total of 94 serum samples were randomly analyzed. Genotyping was performed using nested PCR for amplification of S and Pol regions from viral genome. Genotypes were identified comparing the sequences obtained with the sequences deposited in GenBank. Results: we were able to determine the genotype of 91 (97%) samples, as follows: genotype A (55.3%), D (32%), F (5.3%), C (3.2%) and G (1%). There are few data on the epidemiology of genotype G. This genotype has been detected in restricted areas around the world. Frequently, the genotype G infection occurs in HIV-positive male patients. In our case, the sample identified as G was also positive for HIV but in a female patient, which is an uncommon finding in the scientific literature. Conclusion: in this work, we identified the most frequent genotypes in São Paulo as well as the genotype G, rare among the genotypes found in our environment.