AEGiS-13IAC: Prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Gate Prisons of Rio de Janeiro- Brazil in the last four year (1996ndash;1999).

13th International AIDS Conference

Durban, South Africa - July 9-July 14, 2000

Prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Gate Prisons of Rio de Janeiro- Brazil in the last four year (1996ndash;1999).

Int Conf AIDS 2000 Jul 9-14; 13:(abstract no. TuPeD3690)

Gomes JD, Biondi EJ, Veiga LP, Santos JL, Carvalho ML, Caputo A, Quitete B, Santos ON, Silva JQ
J.D.S. Gomes, Rua Barao de Itambi no 60 G2, Rio de Janeiro - Botafogo CEP 22 231 000, Brazil, Tel.: +55 21 3997 338, Fax: +55 21 3997 339, E-mail: supersaude@sej.rg.gov.br

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing tendency of AIDS in marginalized groups (Ministry of Health, 1998). The prisional population is considered to be of high risk for infections related to confinement conditions. The goal of this study was to compare the infectious status (HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis) of entrants into the prison system of Rio de Janeiro in the last four years (1996-1999).

METHODS: Between 1996 and 1999, a sample of entrants has been selected each year (350 men and 43 women/year, average). They were voluntarily enrolled in an infection prevalence program after attending lectures about AIDS and STDs. Blood samples were tested for HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis. They also answered questions about personal data, drug use and risk behaviors.

RESULTS: Most of them come to the prison system already infected, especially considering HBV (19% for men and 28% for women, average). Nine percent of men and 20% of women are already infected for syphilis in gate prison. The prevalence of HCV is 6% for men and 5% for women and the prevalence for HIV is 2% for men and 4% for women. The prevalence did not change during the study.

CONCLUSIONS: The early detection of STDs in Gate prisons is very important, especially considering the women's group. If no treatment or prevention actions are developed, the individual vulnerability to HIV may occur as well as the dissemination of SDTs and AIDS in the prison system.

Keywords: AEGIS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis B Virus, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Prevalence, HIV Infections, Prisons, HIV Seropositivity, Hepatitis B Surface Antigens, Syphilis, Hepacivirus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Risk-Taking, Hepatitis B Antibodies, Brazil, Human, Female, Male, Epidemiology, immunology
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