Prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of inmates diagnosed with infectious diseases living in a region with a high number of prisons in São Paulo state, Brazil

HBV, HCV and HIV among inmates in Latin America and the Caribbean: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affect 340 million people worldwide and have a high impact on vulnerable populations. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the prevalence of these infections among inmates in Latin America and the Caribbean.

METHODS

Searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, LILACS and Web of Science databases on 17 May 2024, without time or language restriction, according to PRISMA guidelines. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the bias risk in the selected studies. Meta-analysis was performed by using the random-effects model and heterogeneity between studies was assessed with I2 statistic. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to investigate possible sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine studies were included, encompassing over 230,000 inmates. The estimated prevalences of HBV, HCV and HIV were 1.0% (95% CI: 0.0-1.0), 7.0% (95% CI: 6.0-8.0) and 4.0% (95% CI: 3.0-4.0), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed the following prevalences: HBV among females was 1.0% (95% CI: 0.0-3.0) and among males was 10.0% (95% CI: 3.0-17.0); HCV among females and males was 12.0% (95% CI: 7.0%-17.0%); and HIV among females was 10.0% (95% CI: 5.0-15.0) and among males was 8.0% (95% CI: 6.0-10.0).

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial proportion of inmates in Latin America and the Caribbean are infected with HBV, HCV or HIV, underscoring the need for viral infection testing, primary care for inmates and increased efforts to promote public health policies for the prison system.

Prevalence of overt and occult hepatitis B virus infection among an incarcerated population of Central-Western Brazil

Brazilian prison complexes are characterized by overcrowded cells and precarious conditions, leading to chronically low vacancy. Brazilian studies involving overt and occult infection (OBI) in this population are still scarce despite the vulnerability of people deprived of liberty to hepatitis B. Therefore, this study estimated the prevalence of HBV infection (overall and OBI) in individuals deprived of liberty in prisons in Central-Western Brazil. In addition, factors associated with HBV infection were evaluated. This cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 1083 prisoners who were tested for serological hepatitis B markers and HBV DNA from 2017 to 2020. Factors associated with lifetime HBV infection were investigated using logistic regression. An overall prevalence of HBV infection of 10.1% (95% CI: 8.42-12.11) was detected. Only 32.8% (95% CI: 30.08-35.76) had isolated anti-HBs positivity (serological evidence of HBV vaccination). Indeed, more than half of the population was susceptible to HBV infection (57.1%; 95% CI: 54.15-60.13). HBV DNA was detected in one HBsAg-positive sample (n=1/9; 11%). Also, HBV DNA was detected in five HBsAg-negative samples (n=5/1074), resulting in a prevalence of 0.5% (95% CI: 0.15-1.08) for occult infection. After the multivariate analysis, sexual intercourse with a partner living with HIV was a predictor independently associated with HBV exposure (OR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.26-14.55; p<0.020). These data demonstrate the need for preventive measures, mainly aimed at health education and better strategies for hepatitis B screening to control this infection in prisons more effectively.

The forgotten people: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection as a priority for the inclusion health agenda

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a significant global health threat, accounting for 300 million chronic infections and up to 1 million deaths each year. HBV disproportionately affects people who are under-served by health systems due to social exclusion, and can further amplify inequities through its impact on physical and mental health, relationship with stigma and discrimination, and economic costs. The 'inclusion health' agenda focuses on excluded and vulnerable populations, who often experience barriers to accessing healthcare, and are under-represented by research, resources, interventions, advocacy, and policy. In this article, we assimilate evidence to establish HBV on the inclusion health agenda, and consider how this view can inform provision of better approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. We suggest approaches to redress the unmet need for HBV interventions among excluded populations as an imperative to progress the global goal for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat.

Experience in managing action research on hepatitis C survey in the prison community

Abstract We aimed to report the experience in managing action research on hepatitis C investigation in the prison community in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The proposal was developed from March 2019 to March 2020, reaching 240 people to contain the spread of the disease through a survey, testing, and monitoring of positive cases. We adopted intersectoral action with articulation between Universities, Medical Society, Teaching Hospital, and State Secretariat for Justice and Public Security. Strategies for the management of action research are described: study settings and stakeholders, registration and formalization of the activity, application of tests, and management of reagent inmates. We identified difficulties regarding the accommodation of routines among the research team and the proper functioning of the penitentiary, which required extensive training between the parties and managerial articulations. We consider that the report collaborates with the organization of future research aimed at accessing this still invisible population, the prison community when it highlights the strategies adopted to conduct the research.

Experiência no gerenciamento de pesquisa-ação sobre inquérito de hepatite C junto à comunidade carcerária

Resumo Objetivou-se relatar a experiência no gerenciamento de pesquisa-ação sobre inquérito de hepatite C junto à comunidade carcerária no Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais. A proposta foi desenvolvida entre março de 2019 e março de 2020, alcançando 240 pessoas, com o intuito de conter a disseminação do agravo por meio de inquérito, testagem e acompanhamento dos casos positivos. Adotou-se ação intersetorial, com articulação entre universidades, sociedade médica, hospital de ensino e Secretaria de Estado de Justiça e Segurança Pública. As estratégias para o gerenciamento da pesquisa-ação foram: cenários e atores do estudo, registro e formalização da atividade, aplicação dos testes e manejo dos internos reagentes. Dificuldades foram identificadas quanto à acomodação de rotinas entre equipe de pesquisadores e funcionamento próprio da penitenciária, o que exigiu treinamento ostensivo entre as partes e articulações gerenciais. Considera-se que o relato, quando destaca as estratégias adotadas para a condução da pesquisa, colabora para a organização de investigações futuras que visem acessar essa população ainda invisibilizada.

Hepatitis C prevalence in incarcerated settings between 2013–2021: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The introduction of highly effective direct-acting antiviral therapy has changed the hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment paradigm. However, a recent update on HCV epidemiology in incarcerated settings is necessary to accurately determine the extent of the problem, provide information to policymakers and public healthcare, and meet the World Health Organization's goals by 2030. This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to determine the prevalence of HCV Ab and RNA in incarcerated settings.

Methods

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science for papers published between January 2013 and August 2021. We included studies with information on the prevalence of HCV Ab or RNA in incarcerated settings. A random-effects meta-analysis was done to calculate the pooled prevalence and meta-regression to explore heterogeneity.

Results

Ninety-two unique sources reporting data for 36 countries were included. The estimated prevalence of HCV Ab ranged from 0.3% to 74.4%. HCV RNA prevalence (available in 46 sources) ranged from 0% to 56.3%. Genotypes (available in 19 sources) 1(a) and 3 were most frequently reported in incarcerated settings. HCV/HIV coinfection (available in 36 sources) was highest in Italy, Estonia, Pakistan, and Spain. Statistical analysis revealed that almost all observed heterogeneity reflects real differences in prevalence between studies, considering I² was very high in the meta-analysis.

Conclusions

HCV in incarcerated settings is still a significant problem with a higher prevalence than in the general population. It is of utmost importance to start screening for HCV (Ab and RNA) in incarcerated settings to give clear, reliable and recent figures to plan further treatment. This is all in the context of meeting the 2030 WHO targets which are only less than a decade away.

Trial registration

PROSPERO: CRD42020162616

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14623-6.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated risk behaviors in prisoners: A systematic review

Background and Aims

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are one of the major health concerns globally. Generally, prisoners are at higher risks for STIs due to risk factors including; drug-use, high-risk sexual behaviors, densely populated prisons, and poor living conditions. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the existing data on STI prevalence, and its associated risk factors among prisoners.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of the literature using the keywords in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar online databases. We selected all the relevant original studies in English through title/abstract and full-text screening process.‎.

Results

Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected and reviewed 32 studies out of 96 identified papers. The most important STI-associated risk factors among prisoners were drug use, low educational levels, and unsafe sex. The prevalence of STIs was heterogenous in selected studies and was reported as follows; Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (0%-14.5%), hepatitis B viruses (HBV) (0.04%-27.23%), hepatitis C viruses (HCV) (0.17%-49.7%), Syphilis (0.2%-22.1%), Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT) (1.02%-6.7%), Gonorrhea (0.6%-7.8%), and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) 22.4%.

Conclusion

This systematic review indicates that the prevalence of STIs (HIV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis, Chlamydia Trachomatis, Gonorrhea, and HSV-2) among prisoners appears to be higher than the general population, with drug abuse, low educational levels, and unsafe sex as major risk factors.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of hepatitis C and COVID-19 coinfection: Prolonged RNA shedding in nonhospitalized case

Nonhospitalized COVID‐19 and hepatitis C‐coinfected patient presented prolonged RNA shedding and mild course of infection. This finding demonstrated the importance of long follow‐up of these patients.