Hepatitis C: Prevalence of serologic markers and risk factors in blood donors at a large blood centre in South-eastern Brazil (2007-2010)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the trends of HCV seropositivity rates in first time blood donors from a reference blood centre in Southeast Brazil. Data from the period of 2007-2010 were analysed according to anti-HCV antibodies, donor demographic characteristics and type of donation. There was a marked and continuous decline in prevalence in the analysed period, and in 93,534 first time donors, the prevalence of anti-HCV was 0.09%. Anti-HCV were associated with less education and older age (≥ 35 years). The rates of anti-HCV observed in the present study were lower than in Brazil, but considerably higher than developed countries.

Keywords: Blood donor; HCV antibodies; Hepatitis C virus; Prevalence.