[Comparison between hepatitis B and C epidemiological profiles at a public institution in São Paulo, Brazil]

Viral hepatitis is a disease of compulsory notification and is very important due to its high prevalence.

To analyze the epidemiological profiles of hepatitis B and C, reported through surveillance at the 'Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual', São Paulo, SP, Brazil, from January 2004 to April 2007.

The study revealed 112 confirmed cases of hepatitis B and 651 of hepatitis C. Male gender predominated among hepatitis B while female gender predominated among hepatitis C, statistically significant. Hepatitis B occurred mainly among patients from 30 to 39 years old (P<0.01), and hepatitis C was more frequent among patients from 40 to 49 years old (P = 0.49). Asthenia was the most frequent symptom. The main risk factors were: sexually transmitted diseases (hepatitis B; P<0.01), previous surgery and blood transfusion (hepatitis C; P<0.01). Cases were mostly confirmed through laboratory tests. Chronic hepatitis occurred in 54.5% and 81.7% cases of hepatitis B and C, respectively (P<0.01). Virus B was mostly transmitted by sexual contact (P<0.01); virus C was transmitted mainly by blood transfusion (P<0.01).

The findings were similar to national and international data available. Epidemiologic surveillance plays an important role in determining the viral hepatitis profile in order to provide adequate screening and prevention.