Comparison between self-reported hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV antibody status and oral fluid assay results in Irish prisoners

Self-reported hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV infection status was compared with the results of oral fluid assays of antibodies to these viruses in prisoners from nine of the 15 prisons in the Republic of Ireland. A total of 1205 out of 1366 prisoners completed a confidential questionnaire and 1193 provided analysable oral fluid specimens for testing for antibodies to HBV core antigen (anti-HBc), HCV (anti-HCV), and HIV (anti-HIV). The self-reported prevalence of hepatitis infection (hepatitis B: 5%; hepatitis C: 19%) was lower than that derived from oral fluid assays (anti-HBc: 9%; anti-HCV: 37%). The self-reported prevalence of HIV infection was similar to that found by oral fluid assay (2%). Many discrepancies were found between self-reported results and the results of oral fluid assays. Of those who reported being positive for HBV, HCV, or HIV, 48%, 5%, and 58%, respectively, tested negative on the oral fluid assay. Of those who reported a previous negative test result for HBV, HCV, or HIV, 10%, 37%, and 2%, respectively, had positive oral fluid assays. Self-reports of hepatitis and HIV infection status are unreliable and should not be used as a basis for planning preventive and treatment services for prisoners. All prisoners should have the opportunity to be tested for HBV, HCV, and HIV infection.     

Age-specific seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus infection among injection drug users admitted to drug treatment in 6 US cities

OBJECTIVES: This study measured age-specific seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among injection drug users (IDUs) admitted to drug treatment programs in 6 US cities. METHODS: Remnant sera collected from persons entering treatment with a history of illicit drug injection were tested for antibodies to HIV, hepatitis C (anti-HCV), and hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). RESULTS: Prevalence of anti-HBc and anti-HCV increased with age and reached 80% to 100% among older IDUs in all 6 cities. Although overall age-specific HIV prevalence was lower than anti-HCV or anti-HBc, this prevalence was greater in the Northeast than in the Midwest and West. CONCLUSIONS: The need continues for effective primary prevention programs among IDUs specifically targeting young persons who have recently started to inject drugs.     

Trends in Hepatitis B Virus,Hepatitis C Virus,and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevalence,Risk Behaviors,and Preventive Measures among Seattle Injection Drug Users Aged 18–30 Years, 1994–2004

Injection drug users (IDUs) are at risk for infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Information on time trends in prevalence of these viruses among IDUs and in behaviors influencing their transmission can help define the status of these epidemics and of public health efforts to control them. We conducted a secondary data analysis combining cross-sectional data from IDUs aged 18–30 years enrolled in four Seattle-area studies from 1994 to 2004. Participants in all four studies were tested for antibody to HIV (anti-HIV), hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), and HCV (anti-HCV), and completed behavioral risk assessments. Logistic regression was used to investigate trends in prevalence over time after controlling for sociodemographic, drug use, and sexual behavior variables. Between 1994 and 2004, anti-HBc prevalence declined from 43 to 15% (p < 0.001), anti-HCV prevalence fell from 68 to 32% (p < 0.001) and anti-HIV prevalence remained constant at 2–3%. Declines in anti-HBc and anti-HCV prevalence were observed within the individual studies, although not all these declines were statistically significant. The declines in anti-HBc and anti-HCV prevalence remained significant after control for confounding. Although we did not observe coincident declines in injection equipment sharing practices, there were increases in self-reported needle-exchange use, condom use, and hepatitis B vaccination. We conclude that there has been a substantial and sustained reduction in prevalence rates for HBV and HCV infection among young Seattle IDUs, while HIV rates have remained low and stable. Burt and Thiede are with Public Health—Seattle and King County, Seattle, WA, USA; Hagan is with the National Development and Research Institutes, New York, NY, USA; Garfein and Sabin were with the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; Garfein is currently with the School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA; Sabin is currently with the Global AIDS Program, CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA; Weinbaum is with the Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.     

Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus infections among drug addicts in Bangladesh

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among 266 drug users attending a drug-addiction treatment centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 1996 to April 1997. Of the 266 addicts, 129 were injectable drug users (IDUs), and 137 were non-injectable drug users (non-IDUs). The seroprevalences of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV antibodies among the IDUs were 8 (6.2%), 41 (31.8%), 15 (11.6%), and 32 (24.8%), and among the non-IDUs were 6 (4.4%), 33 (24.1%), 9 (6.6%), and 8 (5.8%) respectively. None of the drug users were positive for anti-HIV antibody. Although the prevalence of HBV infection did not significantly differ between the IDUs and the non-IDUs, the prevalence of HCV infection was significantly higher among the IDUs. Among the IDUs, the prevalence of both HBV and HCV infections was associated with sharing of needles and longer duration of injectable drugs used. The seroprevalence of HBV infection in both IDUs and non-IDUs was significantly higher among those who had a history of extramarital and premarital sex. The prevalence of HCV infection was not associated with sexual promiscuity. There was no association between the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections and age. Active preventive programmes focusing on educational campaigns among the youths against substance abuse should be undertaken.     

Differences in Sexual Identity,Risk Practices,and Sex Partners between Bisexual Men and Other Men among a Low-Income Drug-Using Sample

Hepatitis B vaccination and targeted testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) are recommended for jails with medical services available. This study estimates hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV infection prevalence among jail inmates, since most previous studies have been conducted among prison inmates. Prison and jail populations differ: jails hold a wide spectrum of persons for an average of 10–20 days, including persons awaiting arraignment, trial, conviction, or sentencing, while prisons typically hold convicted criminals for at least 1 year. A stratified random sample of sera obtained during routine syphilis testing of inmates entering jails in Chicago (March–April 2000), Detroit (March–August 1999), and San Francisco (June 1999–December 2000) was tested for serologic markers of HBV and HCV infection. All sera had been previously tested for antibody to HIV (anti-HIV). A total of 1,292 serum samples (12% of new inmates) was tested. Antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) prevalence was 13%. Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) prevalence was 19%, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence was 0.9%; 12% had serologic evidence of hepatitis B vaccination. Hispanics had high rates of chronic HBV infection (3.6% HBsAg positive) along with Asians (4.7% HBsAg positive). Among HIV-infected persons, 38% were anti-HCV positive and 8.2% were HBsAg positive. Anti-HBc positivity was associated with anti-HCV positivity (aOR = 4.58), anti-HIV positivity (aOR = 2.94), syphilis infection (aOR = 2.10), and previous incarceration (aOR = 1.78). Anti-HCV-positivity was associated with anti-HBc positivity (aOR = 4.44), anti-HIV-positivity (aOR = 2.51), and previous incarceration (aOR = 2.90). Jail entrants had high levels of HCV and HBV infection and HIV co-infection; HBV prevalence was comparable to previous prison studies, and HCV prevalence was lower than prison studies. Hispanics had an unexpectedly high rate of chronic hepatitis B infection and had the lowest rate of hepatitis B vaccination. The finding that hepatitis B vaccination coverage among jail entrants is lower than the general population, despite this population’s increased risk for infection, highlights the need to support vaccination in jail settings.     

Prevalence and Correlates of HCV,HVB, and HIV Infection among Prison Inmates and Staff,Hungary

The aim of this national, multicenter, cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) among prisoners, and to identify related risk behaviors including injection drug use. Overall, 4,894 inmates from 20 prisons were enrolled. To have a comparison group, prison staff were also asked to take part. Altogether, 1,553 of the 4,894 inmates from seven prisons completed a questionnaire on risk behaviors. According to the survey, 1.5%, 4.9%, and 0.04% of the prisoners were tested positive for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV, respectively. These prevalence data are among the lowest reported from prisons worldwide, although comparable to the Central European data. The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV in the Hungarian prison staff was low (0.38%, 0.47%, and 0%, respectively). The rate of HCV infection was significantly higher among inmates who have ever injected drugs (22.5%) than among inmates who reported they had never injected drugs (1.1%). This first prevalence study of illegal drug injection-related viral infections among Hungarian prisoners points out that ever injecting drugs is the main reason for HCV infection among inmates. The opportunity to reach drug users infected with HCV for treatment underlines the importance of screening programs for blood-borne viruses in prisons.     

HIV感染流行区静脉吸毒人群的HCV和HBV感染的流行病学研究

本次调查为评估瑞丽悬ＨＩＶ感染流行的静脉吸毒人群中ＨＢＶ、ＨＣＶ的感染状况，血清学调查结果证实了该人群有极ＨＣＶ感染率（８１％），明显高于非静脉吸毒人群（１４％），ＨＩＶ抗体阳性者中９２％为ＨＣＶ抗体阳性，提示两者在同一人群中存在密切联系，而这种联系很可能与该人群静脉吸毒行为有关。ＨＢＶ的感染指标在静脉吸毒人群中为６８％，尽管我省有ＨＢＶ高感感染流行的背景，但仍显示出该人群静脉吸毒行为有关。     

四类重点人群HIV、梅毒、肝炎感染状况调查

目的了解中小工业城市重点人群HIV、梅毒和肝炎的感染现状。方法现场调查采用哨点监测的方法，血清检测应用ELISA法，检测了256名有偿供血者、266名性病门诊患者、271名孕妇、228名吸毒者的HIV抗体、梅毒抗体、抗-HCV和乙肝HBsAg。结果吸毒者检出1例HIV抗体阳性，阳性检出率为0．43％，吸毒者丙型肝炎的感染率为83.87％，与有偿供血者（5.86％）、性病门诊患者（2．26％）和孕妇（1．11％）相比较均有统计学意义，有偿供血者丙型肝炎感染率与除吸毒人群外的其他两类人群比较也有统计学意义。经多因素logistic回归分析发现性病门诊患者梅毒感染率与性别、年龄、婚外性伴数呈正相关。结论性病门诊患者和吸毒人群梅毒感染率、吸毒人群和有偿供血者丙型肝炎感染率较高，性病门诊患者和吸毒人群存在感染HIV／性病的危险因素。应加强上述重点人群的监测和管理，防止艾滋病等疾病的流行。     

Prevalence of hepatitis C in drug users in Flanders: determinants and geographic differences

The prevalence of hepatitis C and related risk factors in drug users were compared in two geographic regions in Belgium, the city of Antwerp and the mixed urban-rural area of Limburg. All 310 participants were surveyed and screened for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Prevalence rates of anti-HCV, anti-HBc and anti-HIV were 71, 62 and 4% in Antwerp and 46, 21 and 0% in Limburg respectively. Injecting drug use, duration of injecting drug use, work as a commercial sex-worker, originating from Turkey or Northern Africa, marginalization and anti-HBc positivity were identified as independent predictors for hepatitis C infection. In this study an important difference in HCV seroprevalence among drug users in a methadone maintenance programme across two geographic regions in Belgium was demonstrated. This was explained not only by variations in drug-related risk behaviour, but also by differences in sexual risk behaviour and socio-economic status.     

女性吸毒人员HIV及病毒性肝炎感染状况及预防模式探讨

目的：了解女性吸毒人员中HIV及病毒性肝炎的感染状况，为制定相应的预防措施提供依据。方法：采用横断面调查的方法，对妇教系统新收入劳教的吸毒人员进行HIV及B型病毒性肝炎(乙肝)及C型病毒性肝炎(丙肝)的血清学检测，分析相互感染的关系。结果：现在或曾经感染过乙肝的比例为60．3％，丙肝感染率为30．3％，HIV感染率为3．3％．其中10例HIV阳性吸毒人员中的4例曾经感染过乙型肝炎。结论：女性吸毒人员HIV及病毒性肝炎的感染情况严重，应该考虑使用包括针具交换及美沙酮维持治疗方法等措施来控制这些疾病在吸毒者中的流行。     

2006年南宁市某社区部分注射吸毒人员HBV、HCV、HIV、梅毒感染情况调查

[目的]了解南宁市社区注射吸毒人员的乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）、丙型肝炎病毒（HCV）、艾滋病病毒（HIV）、梅毒螺旋体（TP）感染情况。[方法]2006年3月，对南宁市某社区内的189名注射吸毒人员进行调查，采血检测HBsAg、抗-HCV、抗-HIV、梅毒抗体。[结果]检测189人，HBsAg阳性率为7．94％，抗-HCV阳性率为91.01％，TP感染率为4.76％，抗-HIV阳性率为19．05％，36名HIV感染者均合并感染HCV。[结论]某社区注射吸毒人员HCV、HIV、TP感染率较高。     

静脉注射毒品人群中HIV、HBV和HCV感染的现况研究

目的了解静脉注射毒品人群中人类免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）、乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）和丙型肝炎病毒（HCV）的感染情况。方法从四川、湖南、广西和新疆等地静脉注射毒品人群中采集血液样本2025份，应用酶联免疫试剂盒检测抗-HIV、抗-HCV抗体和HBsAg。结果红静脉沣射毒品人群中，抗-HIV、抗-HCV及HBsAg的阳性率分别为14．7％～30．4％、60．7％～85．5％和6．6％～22．4％，其HIV／HBV、HIV/HCV、HCV／HBV和HIV／HCV／HBV合并感染率分别为0％～0．4%、11．6％～27．2％、2．3％～14．3％和1．6％～4．8％。结论静脉注射毒品人群中HIV、HBV和HCV的感染率均高于正常人群，其中HIV与HCV合并感染率最高。     

Prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C antibodies in prisoners in England and Wales: a national survey

Prisoners in eight of the 135 prisons in England and Wales were surveyed in 1997 and 1998 to study the prevalence of and risk factors for transmission of bloodborne viruses in prison. Subjects voluntarily completed a risk factor questionnaire and provided oral fluid specimens for unlinked anonymous testing for the presence of antibodies to HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the core antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBc). Almost 8% (4778) of the total of 60,561 prisoners were eligible and four fifths (3942) of those eligible took part. Among all those tested (3930) 0.4% (14) were positive for anti-HIV, 8% (308) for anti-HBc, and 7% (293) for anti-HCV (the anti-HBc and anti-HCV prevalences were not adjusted for assay sensitivities of 82% and 80%, respectively). Twenty-four per cent (777/3176) of adult prisoners reported ever having injected drugs, 30% of whom (224/747) reported having injected in prison. Three quarters of those who injected in prison (167/224) shared needles or syringes. Among adult injecting drug users, 0.5% (4/775) had anti-HIV, 31% (240/775) anti-HCV, and 20% (158/775) anti-HBc. The presence of anti-HCV and anti-HBc was associated with injecting inside prison and number of previous times in prison. The results suggest that hepatitis viruses are probably being transmitted in prisons through sharing non-sterile injecting equipment and that a risk of HIV transmission exists. Harm minimisation measures for the 6% of prisoners who continue to inject while in prison should be strengthened.     

Screening for HIV, HBV and HCV markers among drug users in treatment in rural south-east England

BACKGROUND: This study was designed as an opportunistic screening to estimate the prevalence of blood-borne viral infection among drug users in treatment in the rural population and to investigate related risk factors and use of general health services. METHODS: A total of 102 patients aged 18 years and over (78 male, 24 female) with problematic self-reported drug use, recruited between 1 February 1996 and 31 January 1997, in a mixed urban-rural population in south-east England, were interviewed for information on socio-demographic status, drug use history, HIV-related risk behaviours, hepatitis B vaccination, general practice consultations, and use of A&E departments and medical out-patient clinics. Diagnostic testing was offered to all patients for anti-HIV-1, anti-HBc, HBsAg and anti-HCV. RESULTS: The mean age at onset of illicit drug use for the entire sample was 15.33 (SD 3.36) years; 3.7 per cent (1/27), 20.4 per cent (18/88), and 55.8 per cent (48/86) had antibodies to HIV-1, HBc and HCV, respectively; 1.1 per cent (1/88) tested positive for HBsAg indicative of a carrier state. All 18 patients anti-HBc seropositive were male (p = 0.009). There was no gender difference for anti-HCV serological status. The proportion of town residents and village dwellers seropositive for anti-HBc and anti-HCV did not differ significantly. Patient's age at interview, age at onset of opioid use and duration of opioid use showed a significant association with anti-HBc and anti-HCV serological status. The proportion directly sharing injecting equipment was too small for rigorous statistical analysis; however, indirect sharing involving cooking equipment and frontloading rituals achieved statistical significance. Anti-HBc serological status showed a significant association with vaginal intercourse without a condom (p = 0.03); none of the sexual risk behaviour variables revealed any significant association with HCV infection. Although only one-third of the sample consented to HIV antibody test, consenting and non-consenting groups did not differ significantly except on one variable: having a drug-using sexual partner (chi2 = 5.6167; p = 0.017). Serum aspartate amino transferase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase concentrations were raised above the upper limit in 23 (25.7 per cent) of the 89 patients who gave blood specimens; 41.2 per cent (42/102) were referred to treatment by their general practitioners. There was no significant relationship between HBV and HCV serological status and general practice consultations. Only eight (7.8 per cent) had received hepatitis B vaccination, and although 48 (47.1 per cent) had in the preceding 12 months used A&E departments, only seven (6.2 per cent) had been seen in medical out-patient clinics. CONCLUSION: In this study the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV in the rural population is as high as has been reported for inner cities. The poor uptake of hepatitis B vaccination among drug users, their poor response to HIV antibody test and poor health service utilization suggest the need for an urgent appraisal of service provision and a review of prevention and treatment strategies.     

Infection by hepatitis B and C virus in non-intravenous drug using female prostitutes in Spain

We have studied the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) serologic markers in female blood donors and in female prostitutes and the relationship of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and of antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) with the presence of treponemal antibodies (FTA-ABS) in non-intravenous drug using female prostitutes. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was found in 1.0% of the female blood donors, anti-HBc in 15.6% and anti-HCV in 0.7%. In the prostitutes, the prevalence of HBsAg was 6.1%, anti-HBc was positive in 29.0% and anti-HCV in 8.8%. No significant statistical association between the prevalence of anti-HBc or anti-HCV and the age of prostitutes (p = 0.9111 and p = 0.8254 respectively) or the length of time as prostitutes (p = 0.3583 and p = 0.5770) was found. FTA-ABS positive prostitutes had a significantly higher prevalence of anti-HCV than FTA-ABS negative prostitutes (p < 0.001). No statistical association was found between anti-HBc antibodies and positive FTA-ABS prostitutes (p = 0.336).Corresponding author.     

Risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection among blood donors in an HIV-epidemic area in Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: The role of sexual transmission in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has not yet been completely elucidated. This study aimed to compare the risk factors for HCV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in an HIV epidemic area of Thailand where HIV is mainly transmitted heterosexually. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: Sera from 3053 blood donors were collected and tested for HCV and HIV between January and March 1994. Altogether 1756 (57.5%) of the donors were interviewed about demographics and several risk factors. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of HIV and HCV infections determined by antibody assays were 2.3% and 2.2%, respectively. Sexual risk factors were clearly shown among anti-HIV positive donors. These clear associations were not found, however, among anti-HCV positive donors. In contrast, previous histories of injecting drug use and being tattooed were found in some anti-HCV positive donors but less frequently in anti-HIV positive donors. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual transmission may play a relatively minor role in HCV transmission compared with HIV, in this area.     

福州市部分戒毒人员艾滋病、乙肝、丙肝及梅毒感染状况调查

[目的]了解福州市吸毒人群艾滋病病毒(HIV)、乙肝病毒(HBV)、丙肝病毒(HCV)及梅毒螺旋体的感染情况。[方法]2004年用酶联免疫吸附试验对福州市某戒毒劳教所的戒毒人员进行抗-HIV、HBsAg、抗-HCV、TP检测。[结果]检测482名戒毒人员,HBsAg阳性率为17.2%,抗-HCV阳性率为60.6%,TP阳性率为16.0%,抗-HIV阳性率为1.9%;抗-HIV阳性率、抗-HCV阳性率,注射吸毒者高于烫吸毒者;482名戒毒人员中,在HIV、HBV、HCV、梅毒中有1项或多项感染者358人,占74.27%,9名HIV感染者均同时感染HBV、HCV、梅毒。[结论]戒毒人员是HIV、HCV、梅毒感染的高危人群,应加强对此群体的宣传教育和行为干预。     

柳州市美沙酮门诊吸毒人群HIV、HCV和梅毒感染状况分析

目的了解柳州市美沙酮门诊吸毒人群HIV、HCV和梅毒（TP）感染状况,为采取干预提供依据。方法采集2家美沙酮维持治疗门诊吸毒人员静脉血标本共计518份,进行抗-HIV、抗-HCV、梅毒抗体检测。结果518名吸毒人员中,HIV抗体阳性31例（5.98%）,HCV抗体阳性443例（85.52%）,TP阳性19例（3.67%）;HIV/HCV合并感染30例（5.79%）,TP/HCV合并感染19例（3.67%）,HIV/TP合并感染1例（0.19%）。结论柳州市美沙酮门诊吸毒人群中HIV、HCV、TP感染率较高,应积极开展针对性的干预措施。     

Association of hepatitis C virus with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma compared with hepatitis B virus in Egyptian patients

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy and carries a poor prognosis. Documentation of the wide geographical variation in its incidence has led to clear identification of several risk factors. These include hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in endemic areas. The present study investigated the association of HBV with HCV and cirrhosis, the latter is regarded as a premalignant lesion and underlies most cases with HCC. Serum samples from 94 patients with HCC (n=25) and cirrhosis (n=69) were tested for hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) and serum alphafetoprotein (AFP). Of the 94 patients, 71 (75.5%) had anti-HCV, 6 (6.4%) were positive to HBsAg, while 64 (68.1%) were positive to anti-HBc. These viral markers were more prevalent among HCC patients, 19 (76.0%) had hepatitis C antibody, 3 (12.0%) were positive to HBsAg and 22 (88.0%) were positive to anti-HBc compared with 52 (75.4%), 3 (4.3%) and 42 (60.9%), respectively in patients with cirrhosis. Regarding serum AFP measurement, 14 (56%) of patients with carcinoma and 35 (50.7%) of patients with cirrhosis demonstrated levels above 7 ng/ml. In patients with cirrhosis, elevated serum AFP and presence of anti-HCV in serum were significantly associated. In conclusion, this study shows that viral hepatitis is strongly associated with the development of cirrhosis and HCC in Egyptian patients. Hepatitis C virus seems to play a predominant role compared with hepatitis B virus.     

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C markers in adolescents in Southern Brazil

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers among adolescents aged between 10 and 16 years old, who are elementary school students in the city of Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The study involved a cross-sectional survey that included 418 volunteers, from March to July, 2008. Serology comprised HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HCV. Tests were performed using automated Microparticle Enzyme Immunosorbant Assay (Abbott, AxSYM System, Wiesbaden, Germany). The prevalence of HBsAg was found to be 0.2% (95%CI: 0.0-1.3), and the prevalence of anti-HBc was found to be 1.4% (95%CI: 0.5-3.1). Regarding anti-HBs, 48.6% had titers greater than 10UI/L. None of the volunteers presented reactive results for anti-HCV. This study showed a low prevalence of HBV and HCV markers of infection and a great number of volunteers immunized against HBV. Finally this study shows the importance of proper health campaigns and policies in reducing those prevalences.