Hepatitis A, B y D en Chocó

Abstract

A study to compile and analyse the existing epidemiological information concerning hepatitis A, B and D in the Chocó department of Colombia was carried out from 1976-1993. One study reported a hepatitis A virus antibody prevalence of 85.7 per thousand, in a representative population sample. There was evidence of transmission amongst al1 age groups. In the same sample a hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence of 4.2 per thousand was found. Acute fulminant hepatitis foci for hepatitis D have been detected in the town of Riosucio in the Truandó-Salaquí region, where hepatitis B infection prevalence of 915 per thousand and 200 per thousand hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence was found. The main transmission axis is vertical-horizontal. The principal important transmission riskfactors in this area are: overcrowding, promiscuity, the 15-24 female age group and the evidence of transmission in any family member. Two foci of acute fulminant hepatitis have been identified in Bebaramá and Guarandó in the rural zone of Quibdó, hepatitis B infection prevalencies of 74% and 85% having been found. A study carried out with health personnel, whose objective was to identify groups most at risk, found infection prevalencies between 27% and 33%. Furthermore, hepatitis B sutface antigen prevalence was 13.3% and 13.6%, principally in nursing and laboratory personnel. Finally, integral solution alternatives were planned for hepatitis A and B based on health promotion activities, preventative measures (such as hepatitis B vaccination), vigilante and control.