This study estimated the prevalence of hepatitis C virus HCV infection and associated risk factors, and the frequency of HCV genotypes and resistance-associated substitutions RASs in this vulnerable group. Methods: Distinct sampling methods were used to access FSWs in cities and riverside communities in the Amazon region from to Three methods for HCV diagnosis were used to determine infection status.
An association between HCV infection and exposure factors was determined by bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: In total, 44 Nine socioeconomic characteristics and risky sexual behaviors were associated with HCV exposure, particularly unprotected sex and condom exemption for the clients who paid extra money.
Genotype 1 Introduction The hepatitis C virus HCV infection is a major public health problem worldwide; an estimated million people have serological evidence of HCV exposure, which may be associated with a growing trend in deaths per year [1].
Many cases of acute infection have no symptoms and remain undiagnosed, with later progression to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma [2,3]. Blood transfusion, contaminated blood products, and unsafe medical practices were the main routes of global HCV spread until the early s [4].
Currently, illicit drug use is a major risk factor for HCV infection [2,3]. Risky sexual behavior may also be a risk factor for HCV infection, and has been reported as an important route of viral transmission among people who use illicit drugs PWUDs , female sex workers FSWs , and men who have sex with other men MSMs [5β7]. A high genetic diversity of HCV has been detected. Currently, these viruses can be classified into seven genotypes 1β7 and numerous subtypes 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 4a, 5a, and others.
