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Revista Costarricense de Salud Pública

Print version ISSN 1409-1429

Abstract

LEIVA-HIDALGO, Jorge; MADRIGAL-MENDEZ, Ana  and  SALAS-SEGURA, Donato. Seroprevalence of Heptatis B, C and VIH en Homeless People in Costa Rica. Rev. costarric. salud pública [online]. 2013, vol.22, n.2, pp.113-118. ISSN 1409-1429.

Objectives: The main objective was to establish the seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the homeless population and also to identify the risk factors for the presence of such infections. Methods: A descriptive exploratory, transversal and prevalence study was conducted with blood sampling in a population of homeless people who attended a social assistance centre located at Merced district in the city of San José, during 2011. Results: High prevalence of hepatitis B (16 %) of HIV disease (7%) and hepatitis C (4%) was found. Cases of hepatitis B mostly correspond to prior infection by this virus. There was only a case of hepatitis B active due to the presence of surface antigen and two cases listed as possible HBV/HIV co-infections. Conclusions: Studied population showed a high prevalence of previous hepatitis B and HIV infection, however, the presence of hepatitis C was not prevalent.

Keywords : Homeless Person; Alcoholism; Drug Users; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; AIDS Serodiagnosis.

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