Hepatitis B virus infection among oncohematologic disease patients in Central Brazil: prevalence, risk factors and immunization

Abstract Introduction Carriers of oncohematologic diseases (OD) are at high risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Objective and method To investigate the epidemiology of HBV infection in Goiânia, Central Brazil, 322 individuals with OD (leukemias, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma) were interviewed and blood samples were collected for the detection of serological markers of HBV-DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Medical records of participants were also reviewed. Results Non-Hodgkin lymphomas ( n  = 99) and chronic myeloid leukemia ( n  = 108) were the most frequent oncohematologic diseases. The overall prevalence of HBV was 13.97% (45/322). Of the total participants, 8.69% (28/322) presented isolated positivity for anti-HBs, suggesting low vaccine coverage. HBV-DNA was detected in 25% (1/4) of HBsAg positive samples and in 25% (3/12) of anti-HBc isolated, suggesting HBV occult infection. All samples were identified as subgenotype A1. Entries in patient records and the findings of this investigation suggest anti-HBc seroconversion during oncologic treatment. Age 50 years or over and use of a central catheter during therapy were associated with HBV exposure. Conclusion The low frequency of hepatitis B-immunized individuals, detection of HBV DNA in HBsAg negative samples, and the suggestion of HBV exposure during treatment evidenced the potential for health-related viral dissemination in people with OD in our region, reinforcing the importance of serological monitoring, vaccination against hepatitis B and adoption of strict infection control measures in these individuals.