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Producers of fish have been looking for viable alternatives for the management of Colossoma macropomum (tambaqui) in confinement systems in order to avoid the harm and subsequent losses caused by parasitic diseases. One alternative used by farmers is pesticides, such as trichlorfon, which has a genotoxic effect. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the changes in gene expression due to the side effects of trichlorfon in tambaqui. Two treatments were used based on LC50-96h of 0.870 mg/L using 30% and 50% trichlorfon with exposure periods of 48, 72 and 96 h. For differential expression of the genes in the liver, real-time PCR was performed for the AChE, GST, CYP2J6, CYP2C8, 18S and GAPDH genes. After 96 h of exposure to trichlorfon, an alteration in the gene expression profile of the antioxidant defense system (GST) of the tambaqui was observed. It was also observed that this organophosphate did not affect the expression of genes related to the isoenzymes that are responsible for the biotransformation of xenobiotics in phase I (2J6 and 2C8) and cholinesterase AChE. It was concluded that the reduction in gene expression of GST suggests a decrease in metabolization capacity in phase II.

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AIM: This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of ultrasonic activation with that of nonactivated irrigation on the removal of bacteria and endotoxin from root canals. METHODOLOGY: Fifty patients with necrotic pulps and asymptomatic apical periodontitis were randomly allocated into two groups according to the final irrigation protocol after root canal preparation: Group UI - ultrasonic irrigation (n = 25) and Group NI - needle irrigation (n = 25). The root canals were medicated with calcium hydroxide for 14 days. Microbiological sampling was performed before (S1) and after the root canal preparation (S2), after the irrigation protocols (S3) and after the removal of the intracanal medication (S4). Total bacteria counts were determined by qPCR and the endotoxin levels by the limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Intragroup analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon test for related samples, whereas intergroup analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: All S1 samples were positive for bacteria, with median numbers of 1.49 × 106 and 8.55 × 105 bacterial cells for the UI and NI groups, respectively. This number significantly decreased in S2 samples (UI: 1.41 × 104 ; NI: 3.53 × 104 ; both with P < 0.001). After final irrigation protocols, there was a significant decrease in bacterial load from S2 to S3 samples in both groups (UI: 4.29 × 103 ; NI: 1.08 × 104 ; P < 0.01). Intergroup analysis revealed a significant difference between irrigation methods regarding bacterial counts in S3 samples (P < 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were observed between groups for endotoxin levels (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonic activation was more effective than nonactivated irrigation for reducing the number of bacteria but not the endotoxin levels in root canals of teeth with apical periodontitis.

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O pinguim-de-magalhães é uma ave marinha de porte médio, de origem do hemisfério sul, com grandes colônias próximas à Patagônia. Em certas épocas do ano, alguns exemplares aparecem no litoral brasileiro, devido ao desvio de rotas de caça, e alguns indivíduos não conseguem retornar por debilidades na saúde. Foram utilizados 34 exemplares de Spheniscus magellanicus que vieram a óbito no litoral do estado de Espírito Santo. O presente estudo analisou a morfologia de câmaras e paredes cardíacas, valvas e artérias da base. Os fragmentos dessas regiões foram analisados histologicamente com coloração hematoxilina-eosina (HE) e Tricrômico de Gomori (TG), além da coloração Picrosirius Red (PSR) sob luz polarizada, visando observar, principalmente, a composição do tipo de colágeno existente em cada região descrita. Entre os 34 exemplares, nenhum apresentou discrepância em relação a sua morfologia. A tipificação do colágeno dessas regiões pelas colorações TG e PSR sob luz polarizada demonstrou a presença do colágeno tipo I em maior evidência que o tipo III, encontrada na maioria das estruturas, o que atribuiu a aparência avermelhada intensa a quase todas elas. Pode-se concluir que a anatomia cardíaca do pinguim-de-magalhães é semelhante à de outras aves, com predominância do colágeno do tipo I.(AU)

Magellanic penguin is medium-sized seabird originated from southern hemisphere with colonies near Patagonia. At certain times of the year in Brazilian coast, a few penguins lose their hunting routes and can´t return because they are very sick. Thirty-four penguins died in Espírito Santo´s coast. This study analyzed the cardiac morphology and morph metric of heart chambers and walls, valves, and arteries of the cardiac base. These parts were analysed and stained by Hematoxilin and eosin and Gomori´s trichrome. Mainly targeting the collagen´s composition in each described part the Picru-sirius Red´s stain under polarized light was used. Among thirty-four penguin hearts, none presented discrepancy in morphology, they were all very similar. The characterization of collagen by Picrusirius Red stain highlighted type 1 collagen in comparison to type 3 collagen in most structures, giving a more reddish appearance in almost of them. In conclusion, the cardiac anatomy of the Magellanic Penguin is similar to that of other birds, with a predominance of type I collagen.(AU)

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O pinguim-de-magalhães é uma ave marinha de porte médio, de origem do hemisfério sul, com grandes colônias próximas à Patagônia. Em certas épocas do ano, alguns exemplares aparecem no litoral brasileiro, devido ao desvio de rotas de caça, e alguns indivíduos não conseguem retornar por debilidades na saúde. Foram utilizados 34 exemplares de Spheniscus magellanicus que vieram a óbito no litoral do estado de Espírito Santo. O presente estudo analisou a morfologia de câmaras e paredes cardíacas, valvas e artérias da base. Os fragmentos dessas regiões foram analisados histologicamente com coloração hematoxilina-eosina (HE) e Tricrômico de Gomori (TG), além da coloração Picrosirius Red (PSR) sob luz polarizada, visando observar, principalmente, a composição do tipo de colágeno existente em cada região descrita. Entre os 34 exemplares, nenhum apresentou discrepância em relação a sua morfologia. A tipificação do colágeno dessas regiões pelas colorações TG e PSR sob luz polarizada demonstrou a presença do colágeno tipo I em maior evidência que o tipo III, encontrada na maioria das estruturas, o que atribuiu a aparência avermelhada intensa a quase todas elas. Pode-se concluir que a anatomia cardíaca do pinguim-de-magalhães é semelhante à de outras aves, com predominância do colágeno do tipo I.(AU)

Magellanic penguin is medium-sized seabird originated from southern hemisphere with colonies near Patagonia. At certain times of the year in Brazilian coast, a few penguins lose their hunting routes and can´t return because they are very sick. Thirty-four penguins died in Espírito Santo´s coast. This study analyzed the cardiac morphology and morph metric of heart chambers and walls, valves, and arteries of the cardiac base. These parts were analysed and stained by Hematoxilin and eosin and Gomori´s trichrome. Mainly targeting the collagen´s composition in each described part the Picru-sirius Red´s stain under polarized light was used. Among thirty-four penguin hearts, none presented discrepancy in morphology, they were all very similar. The characterization of collagen by Picrusirius Red stain highlighted type 1 collagen in comparison to type 3 collagen in most structures, giving a more reddish appearance in almost of them. In conclusion, the cardiac anatomy of the Magellanic Penguin is similar to that of other birds, with a predominance of type I collagen.(AU)

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Abstract Variations of age and total length of Sotalia guianensis from the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, were evaluated. Specimens were found stranded. Age and total length of 44 Guiana dolphins were assessed based on tooth analysis. Age varied between 0.5 year and 33 years (mean = 8.23 years). Most specimens were between zero and 6 years old (47%). Total length varied from 119 cm to 198 cm, with mean of 172.52 cm. Asymptotic length was reached at 185 cm and approximately 5-6 years of age. Mean total length and age were higher than in other regions of the distribution range of the species. Nevertheless, more studies have to be carried out to evaluate the morphological variations in S. guianensis populations in the study area and Brazil.

Resumo Foram avaliadas variações de comprimento total e etárias de Sotalia guianensis provenientes do estado do Espírito Santo. Os espécimes foram encontrados encalhados. Idade e comprimento total de 44 S. guianensis foram avaliados com base na análise dentária. A idade variou entre 0,5 e 33 anos (média = 8,23 anos). A maioria dos exemplares tinha entre zero e seis anos de idade (47%). O comprimento total variou de 119 a 198 centímetros, com média de 172,52 centímetros. O comprimento assintótico foi atingido com 185 cm, aproximadamente entre 5-6 anos de idade. O comprimento total médio e a idade foram maiores que outras regiões de distribuição da espécie. No entanto, mais estudos devem ser realizados para avaliar as variações morfológicas em populações de S. guianensis na região e no Brasil.

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Variations of age and total length of Sotalia guianensis from the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, were evaluated. Specimens were found stranded. Age and total length of 44 Guiana dolphins were assessed based on tooth analysis. Age varied between 0.5 year and 33 years (mean = 8.23 years). Most specimens were between zero and 6 years old (47%). Total length varied from 119 cm to 198 cm, with mean of 172.52 cm. Asymptotic length was reached at 185 cm and approximately 5-6 years of age. Mean total length and age were higher than in other regions of the distribution range of the species. Nevertheless, more studies have to be carried out to evaluate the morphological variations in S. guianensis populations in the study area and Brazil.

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and carcass characteristics of broilers fed exclusively vegetable diets and diets containing animal meal with the addition of creatine or not after day 8. In the experiment, 1080 one-day-old male chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design into six treatments with six replicates each. A control diet based on corn and soybean meal was formulated, to which animal meals and creatine were included or not. Diets were formulated to contain equal mineral (calcium, phosphorus and sodium) and amino acid (available methionine + cystine, lysine and threonine) levels. The following treatments were applied: A. control (diet based on corn and soybean meal); B. control + creatine (600g/ton); C. inclusion of 5% meat and bone meal (MBM), D. inclusion of 5% MBM + creatine (600g/ton), E. inclusion of 5% blood meal (BM), F. inclusion 5% BM + creatine (600g/ton). Weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, carcass yield and viability were evaluated. At 42 days of age, BM dietary inclusion impaired weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The inclusion of MBM affected only feed conversion ratio. The addition of creatine ito the diet with BM improved weight gain when compared with the BM diet with no creatine. The addition of creatine to the diet containing 5% BM improved weight gain when compared with the same diet without the use of the additive.

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and carcass characteristics of broilers fed exclusively vegetable diets and diets containing animal meal with the addition of creatine or not after day 8. In the experiment, 1080 one-day-old male chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design into six treatments with six replicates each. A control diet based on corn and soybean meal was formulated, to which animal meals and creatine were included or not. Diets were formulated to contain equal mineral (calcium, phosphorus and sodium) and amino acid (available methionine + cystine, lysine and threonine) levels. The following treatments were applied: A. control (diet based on corn and soybean meal); B. control + creatine (600g/ton); C. inclusion of 5% meat and bone meal (MBM), D. inclusion of 5% MBM + creatine (600g/ton), E. inclusion of 5% blood meal (BM), F. inclusion 5% BM + creatine (600g/ton). Weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, carcass yield and viability were evaluated. At 42 days of age, BM dietary inclusion impaired weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The inclusion of MBM affected only feed conversion ratio. The addition of creatine ito the diet with BM improved weight gain when compared with the BM diet with no creatine. The addition of creatine to the diet containing 5% BM improved weight gain when compared with the same diet without the use of the additive.(AU)

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Estudou-se o desenvolvimento do boto-cinza (Sotalia guianensis) do litoral do Espírito Santo e verificou-se se a análise das radiografias da aleta peitoral pode ser utilizada para tal. Trinta e sete botos passaram pela determinação do comprimento total (CT), análise do grau de fusionamento das vértebras e radiografia das aletas peitorais. O CT ao nascimento foi de 103,3cm e o de animais maduros fisicamente 187,5cm. Observou-se correlação entre o CT, as epífises distais do rádio e da ulna e correlação entre o grau de fusionamento vertebral e a epífise distal do rádio. Concluiu-se que a análise radiográfica das aletas peitorais é uma boa maneira de avaliar o grau de maturação física do boto.

The aim of this study is to analyze the development of the estuarine dolphin from the coast of Espírito Santo and verify that the analysis of X-rays of pectoral fin can be used for such. Thirty-seven Sotalia guianensis were used, determining the TL, examination of the degree of fusion of the vertebrae and X-ray of pectoral fins. At birth the TL is 103.3cm and in physically mature animals the TL is 187.5cm. The TL showed a significant correlation with the epiphyses of the distal radius and ulna and the degree of spinal fusion showed significant correlation with distal radius. It can be concluded that the X-ray analysis of the pectoral fins is a good way of assessing the physical maturation of these animals and can be used in routine procedures.

RESUMO

Estudou-se o desenvolvimento do boto-cinza (Sotalia guianensis) do litoral do Espírito Santo e verificou-se se a análise das radiografias da aleta peitoral pode ser utilizada para tal. Trinta e sete botos passaram pela determinação do comprimento total (CT), análise do grau de fusionamento das vértebras e radiografia das aletas peitorais. O CT ao nascimento foi de 103,3cm e o de animais maduros fisicamente 187,5cm. Observou-se correlação entre o CT, as epífises distais do rádio e da ulna e correlação entre o grau de fusionamento vertebral e a epífise distal do rádio. Concluiu-se que a análise radiográfica das aletas peitorais é uma boa maneira de avaliar o grau de maturação física do boto.(AU)

The aim of this study is to analyze the development of the estuarine dolphin from the coast of Espírito Santo and verify that the analysis of X-rays of pectoral fin can be used for such. Thirty-seven Sotalia guianensis were used, determining the TL, examination of the degree of fusion of the vertebrae and X-ray of pectoral fins. At birth the TL is 103.3cm and in physically mature animals the TL is 187.5cm. The TL showed a significant correlation with the epiphyses of the distal radius and ulna and the degree of spinal fusion showed significant correlation with distal radius. It can be concluded that the X-ray analysis of the pectoral fins is a good way of assessing the physical maturation of these animals and can be used in routine procedures.(AU)

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The kidneys are the organs responsible for maintaining the hydro-electrolytic equilibrium of the organism. There are several diseases that can affect these organs, causing changes and may be one of the causes of death in clinical routine. The ultrasound is the main diagnostic method to detect changes in the kidneys because it is noninvasive and allow the assessment of the size and the renal parenchyma. The histopathology is essential for confirmation of the diagnosis, and it was performed and compared with the ultrasound examination, so the degree of compatibility between ultrasound and pathological diagnostic methods could be analyzed. Twenty-one dogs were used in the experiment. After the ultrasound, the animals were autopsied for removal of the kidneys. The kidneys were fixed in 10% formalin, processed and observed by light microscopy. The findings were 52% in ultrasound examination and 81% in histological examination. The index of compatibility between the two tests was 66%, which confirmed the literature data that describe the ultrasound examination as the best method of non-invasive diagnosis for renal disorders.

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The kidneys are the organs responsible for maintaining the hydro-electrolytic equilibrium of the organism. There are several diseases that can affect these organs, causing changes and may be one of the causes of death in clinical routine. The ultrasound is the main diagnostic method to detect changes in the kidneys because it is noninvasive and allow the assessment of the size and the renal parenchyma. The histopathology is essential for confirmation of the diagnosis, and it was performed and compared with the ultrasound examination, so the degree of compatibility between ultrasound and pathological diagnostic methods could be analyzed. Twenty-one dogs were used in the experiment. After the ultrasound, the animals were autopsied for removal of the kidneys. The kidneys were fixed in 10% formalin, processed and observed by light microscopy. The findings were 52% in ultrasound examination and 81% in histological examination. The index of compatibility between the two tests was 66%, which confirmed the literature data that describe the ultrasound examination as the best method of non-invasive diagnosis for renal disorders.(AU)

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AIMS: To detect ESBL (extended-spectrum beta-lactamase)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae present in the effluents and sludge of a hospital sewage treatment plant, evaluating the treatment plant's potential to remove these micro-organisms. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty samples (crude sewage, UASB reactor effluent, filtered effluent and sludge) were collected in the period from May to December 2006, in order to analyse antimicrobial susceptibility and to check ESBL production, the disc-diffusion and the combined disc methods were used. Total and faecal coliform concentrations were also determined. ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae were detected in all samples analysed, representing 46 x 5% of the total strains isolated. Among the non-ESBL-producing strains, 26% were multiresistant and one strain resistant to eight of the nine antimicrobials tested was detected in the treated effluent. CONCLUSIONS: The hospital wastewater treatment plant did not show a satisfactory efficacy in removing pathogenic micro-organisms, allowing for the dissemination of multiresistant bacteria into the environment. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The inefficacy of hospital wastewater treatment plants can result in routes of dissemination of multiresistant bacteria and their genes of resistance into the environment, thus contaminating water resources, and having serious negative impact on public health.

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Microarrays are a new technology that allows biologists to better understand the interactions between diverse pathologic state at the gene level. However, the amount of data generated by these tools becomes problematic, even though data are supposed to be automatically analyzed (e.g., for diagnostic purposes). The issue becomes more complex when the expression data involve multiple states. We present a novel approach to the gene selection problem in multi-class gene expression-based cancer classification, which combines support vector machines and genetic algorithms. This new method is able to select small subsets and still improve the classification accuracy.

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OBJECTIVE: The immunologic defects that occur in children with HIV infection are important tests to both diagnosis and therapeutic response. The objective of this study was to verify the immunologic abnormalities in 60 children with AIDS, in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. METHODS: Serum immunoglobulin levels were determined by nephelometry and compared to a normal pattern for Brazilian children. The lymphocyte T helper (CD4+) and the lymphocyte T suppressor (CD8+) count and percentage, and the ratio between them, determined by commercial flow cytometry, were compared to a pattern for healthy children of HIV-positive mothers. RESULTS: The mean serum IgG levels was higher in the children with AIDS (p<0.005). The mean serum IgM levels was higher in the children with AIDS in the age group between 13 and 108 months (p<0.005). The CD4+ lymphocytes count was below the inferior limit of the 95% confidence interval of the median reference values to each group of age in 50 (84.7%) of the 59 determinations. The CD4+ lymphocytes percentage was much lower than the percentages of reference. The graph curve of the medians of the ratio between lymphocytes CD4+ and CD8+ to each group of age was below the fifth percentile of the graph curve of the medians of reference. CONCLUSIONS: The hypergamaglobulinemia and the lymphocyte T CD4+ count and percentage are sensitive indicators of HIV infection, observed in the present study. Immunologic evaluation of the HIV-positive children is recommended, including those younger than 18 months of age.

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OBJECTIVE: The association of the HIV and Epstein-Barr virus infections has been reported in several studies, specially in children that present lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis. The analysis of the incidence of Epstein-Barr virus infection was performed in children with AIDS, in those with AIDS with and without lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis, comparing to children without HIV infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 60 children with AIDS and 54 children not infected by HIV, matched by sex and age, in the Hospital Infantil Joana de Gusmão in Florianópolis city, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, between June 1994 and June 1995. The selection of the cases followed the order of the consultation. The detection of antibodies against Epstein-Barr capsid antigen was performed by standard indirect immunofluorescence techniques and ELISA, and antibodies against nuclear antigen only by ELISA. The stage of the infection was defined according to serologic responses. RESULTS: Lymphadenopathy occurred in 59 cases (98.3%), hepatomegaly in 51 (85.0%), splenomegaly in 46 (76.7%), recurrent bronchopneumonia in 41 (68.3%). Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis was observed in 21 cases (35.0%), 90.5% of which showed positive serologic reactions to EBV. The geometric mean of the IgG against capsid antigen titers was 1:439.5 in the cases group and 1:42.8 in the controls. The IgM against capsid antigen by indirect immunofluorescence techniques was positive in 16 (26.7%) of the 60 cases and only in one of the 53 controls (1.9%) (p=0.0002). The primary Epstein-Barr virus infection was evidenced with greater frequency in the children with AIDS (p<0.0001), as well as the reactivated infection (p=0.0745). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of primary and reactivated Epstein-Barr virus infection was more frequent in the patients with AIDS. The primary and reactivated Epstein-Barr virus infection was observed in almost all of the patients with diagnosis of lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis (90.5%).

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OBJECTIVE: The incidence of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has increased in Santa Catarina State in Brazil over the last years, with a high number of infected women and children. The purpose of this study was to establish the main characteristics of the children from this State whose HIV serologic tests were positive. METHODS: This was a descriptive study of 176 children with positive serologic tests to HIV, conducted in the Hospital Infantil Joana de Gusmão, Florianópolis City, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. RESULTS: Most of the children (105 cases, 59.6%) were born in Florianópolis, Capital of Santa Catarina State, and Itajaí (22 cases, 12.5%). Vertical transmission of HIV was observed in 167 patients (94.9%). Among 167 HIV-positive mothers, 77 (46.1%) of them acquired the virus by sexual transmission and 35 (21.0%) by use of injectable drugs. However, among 89 HIV-positive fathers, 63 (70.7%) of them used to take drugs. The average age of the HIV-positive children whose serologic tests became negative was 10.5 months. Among 103 symptomatic patients, 87 (84.5%) presented hepatomegaly, 81 (78.6%) lymphadenopathy, 66 (64.0%) splenomegaly, 59 (57.3%) skin bruises, 54 (52.4%) recurrent bronchopneumonia and 50 cases (48.5%) recurrent diarrhea. The most frequent opportunistic infection was mucocutaneous candidiasis that occurred in 41 children (39.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics were similar to those reported in the literature. A great concentration of HIV infected persons was observed in the coast area where there are three harbor towns, an elevated number of injectable drug users and presence of many tourists.

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In order to investigate the sexual transmission of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), the prevalence of specific antibodies in populations at high and low risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) was evaluated. The population at low risk for STDs was composed of persons who voluntarity donated blood at the Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho (HUCFF) between July and November, 1990 (n = 2494). The population at high risk for STDs was drawn from an ongoing study on the natural history of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection (n = 210, 187 with sexual risk factors for HIV infection). All samples were screened using a first generation ELISA. Repeat reactive samples were then tested in a second generation RIBA. For all ELISA positive samples, two sex and age-matched ELISA negative controls were selected. Data pertaining to the presence of antibodies to the Hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBC antibodies) and to Treponema pallidum were abstracted from the medical records. The prevalence of RIBA 2 confirmed HCV infection among the blood donors was 2.08%, which is well above the reported prevalence in similar populations from developed western countries. Among the HIV infected homosexuals, the encountered prevalence was 7.96% (p < 0.0005). For the whole group with sexually acquired HIV infection, the prevalence was 8.02% (p < 0.000005). Anti-HBc antibodies were more frequently present in anti-HCV RIBA-2 confirmed positive blood donors than in controls (p < 0.001). 33.3% of the HCV-positive blood donors and 11.04% controls were found to be anti-HBc positive (p < 0.0005). As for the FTA-ABs, 17.6% HCV-positive donors and 4,9% controls were positive (p < 0.01). 5.9% samples from blood donors were both anti-HBc and FTA-ABS positive, whereas none of the controls reacted in both tests (p < 0.05). The association between HCV, Hepatitis B infection and syphilis in individuals at low risk for parenterally transmitted diseases suggests that sexual transmission contributes to the maintenance of the endemicity of HCV in the local population

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In order to investigate the sexual transmission of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), the prevalence of specific antibodies in populations at high and low risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) was evaluated. The population at low risk for STDs was composed of persons who voluntarily donated blood at the Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho (HUCFF) between July and November, 1990 (n = 2494). The population at high risk for STDs was drawn from an ongoing study on the natural history of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection (n = 210, 187 with sexual risk factors for HIV infection). All samples were screened using a first generation ELISA. Repeat reactive samples were then tested in a second generation RIBA. For all ELISA positive samples, two sex and age-matched ELISA negative controls were selected. Data pertaining to the presence of antibodies to the Hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBC antibodies) and to Treponema pallidum were abstracted from the medical records. The prevalence of RIBA 2 confirmed HCV infection among the blood donors was 2.08%, which is well above the reported prevalence in similar populations from developed western countries. Among the HIV infected homosexuals, the encountered prevalence was 7.96% (p < 0.0005). For the whole group with sexually acquired HIV infection, the prevalence was 8.02% (p < 0.000005). Anti-HBc antibodies were more frequently present in anti-HCV RIBA-2 confirmed positive blood donors than in controls (p < 0.001). 33.3% of the HCV-positive blood donors and 11.04% controls were found to be anti-HBc positive (p < 0.0005).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

PIP: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has an etiological role in post-transfusional Non-A Non-B Hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatoma. Studies have revealed an high prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in hemophiliacs, IV drug users, and other groups at risk for parenterally transmitted infections. The authors report findings from their investigation into the sexual transmission of HCV. The prevalences of antibodies to HCV, the hepatitis B core (HBc) antigen, and to Treponema pallidum were assessed among groups of individuals at high and low risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The population at low risk for STDs was comprised of 2494 volunteer blood donors at the Hospital Universitario Clementino Fraga Filho (HUCFF) over the period July-November 1990. The population at high risk for STDs was comprised of 187 adults consecutively enrolled between September 1990 and January 1991 in a cohort study of the natural history of HIV infection. Sera were screened with a first generation HCV ELISA test, with repeat reactive samples further analyzed using a second generation recombinant immunoblot confirmatory test (RIBA-2). Data on the presence of antibodies to HBc, VRDL, and HIV were abstracted from the Blood Bank records. Antibody testing against Treponema pallidum was conducted among HCV-ELISA positive blood donors and their controls using FTA-ABs. 2.08% of blood donors were infected with HCV, 7.96% of the HIV-infected homosexuals, and 8.02% of the whole group with sexually acquired HIV infection. Anti-HBc antibodies were more frequently present in anti-HCV RIBA-2 confirmed positive blood donors than in controls. 33.3% of the HCV-positive blood donors and 11.04% of controls were found to be anti-HBc positive. 17.6% of HCV-positive donors and 4.9% of controls yielded positive FTA-ABs results. 5.9% of samples from blood donors were both anti-HBc and FTA-ABs positive, while none of the controls reacted in both tests. The association between HCV, hepatitis B infection, and syphilis in individuals at low risk for parenterally transmitted diseases suggests that sexual transmission contributes to the maintenance of the endemicity of HCV in the local population.

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