Prevalence and Correlates of HCV,HVB, and HIV Infection among Prison Inmates and Staff,Hungary

The aim of this national, multicenter, cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) among prisoners, and to identify related risk behaviors including injection drug use. Overall, 4,894 inmates from 20 prisons were enrolled. To have a comparison group, prison staff were also asked to take part. Altogether, 1,553 of the 4,894 inmates from seven prisons completed a questionnaire on risk behaviors. According to the survey, 1.5%, 4.9%, and 0.04% of the prisoners were tested positive for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV, respectively. These prevalence data are among the lowest reported from prisons worldwide, although comparable to the Central European data. The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV in the Hungarian prison staff was low (0.38%, 0.47%, and 0%, respectively). The rate of HCV infection was significantly higher among inmates who have ever injected drugs (22.5%) than among inmates who reported they had never injected drugs (1.1%). This first prevalence study of illegal drug injection-related viral infections among Hungarian prisoners points out that ever injecting drugs is the main reason for HCV infection among inmates. The opportunity to reach drug users infected with HCV for treatment underlines the importance of screening programs for blood-borne viruses in prisons.     

Comparison between self-reported hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV antibody status and oral fluid assay results in Irish prisoners

Self-reported hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV infection status was compared with the results of oral fluid assays of antibodies to these viruses in prisoners from nine of the 15 prisons in the Republic of Ireland. A total of 1205 out of 1366 prisoners completed a confidential questionnaire and 1193 provided analysable oral fluid specimens for testing for antibodies to HBV core antigen (anti-HBc), HCV (anti-HCV), and HIV (anti-HIV). The self-reported prevalence of hepatitis infection (hepatitis B: 5%; hepatitis C: 19%) was lower than that derived from oral fluid assays (anti-HBc: 9%; anti-HCV: 37%). The self-reported prevalence of HIV infection was similar to that found by oral fluid assay (2%). Many discrepancies were found between self-reported results and the results of oral fluid assays. Of those who reported being positive for HBV, HCV, or HIV, 48%, 5%, and 58%, respectively, tested negative on the oral fluid assay. Of those who reported a previous negative test result for HBV, HCV, or HIV, 10%, 37%, and 2%, respectively, had positive oral fluid assays. Self-reports of hepatitis and HIV infection status are unreliable and should not be used as a basis for planning preventive and treatment services for prisoners. All prisoners should have the opportunity to be tested for HBV, HCV, and HIV infection.     

Seroprevalence of markers for hepatitis B, C and G in male and female prisoners - NSW, 1996

OBJECTIVES: 1. Establish the prevalence of markers for hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV) and G (HGV) in a sample of male and female inmates. 2. Examine exposure to multiple viruses. 3. Compare risk factors for HGV infection with known risk factors for HBV and HCV. DESIGN: Cross-sectional random sample stratified by sex, age and Aboriginality. Inmates were screened for three hepatitis markers. Participants were 789 inmates (657 male, 132 female) in 27 correctional centres in New South Wales, 1996. RESULTS: Overall detection of each of the three screening markers was 35% for HBV, 39% for HCV and 10% for HGV. Exposure rates were higher in female prisoners than males. Increased rates of anti-HBc were observed in Aboriginal inmates compared with non-Aboriginals (54% cf. 27%); anti-HCV and HGV-RNA were comparable between the two groups (36% cf. 41% and 9% cf. 10%). Markers were significantly higher in female injecting drug users (IDU), particularly HCV (90% cf. 66%). Thirty-five per cent of inmates were unaware of their HCV status. For HBV, 72% did not self-report past or present exposure despite serological evidence to the contrary. The multivariate analysis identified Aboriginality, long-term injecting and injecting while in prison as risk factors for HBV. HCV risk factors were female sex, non-Aboriginality, institutionalisation and IDU-associated behaviours. For HGV, female sex and previous imprisonment were significant risk factors but IDU was not. CONCLUSIONS: Blood-borne hepatitis viruses are common in prison inmates, particularly females (HBV, HCV and HGV), Aboriginals (HBV) and IDU (HBV and HCV). Infection can be related to a number of risk factors, which appear similar for HBV and HCV, but distinct from HGV.     

A survey of HIV and HCV among female prison inmates in Portugal

HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) monitoring among prison inmates is instrumental in countries with concentrated HIV/AIDS epidemics. Knowledge on these dynamics in imprisoned women in Portugal is scarce. The HIV and HCV prevalence was estimated among inmates in the largest Portuguese prison for women, which holds 57% of all female inmates in Portugal, according to sociodemographic and behavioural variables and characterised attitudes towards HIV/AIDS according to serological status. Collected variables included age, education, country of birth, penal status, and accumulated time in prison. Drug injection and sharing of injection material were inquired, as well as age at first sexual intercourse. Inmates also characterised their attitudes towards HIV/AIDS. A venous blood sample was collected and tested for anti-HIV and anti-HCV antibodies. In this sample of 445 female inmates, 10% were HIV-positive, while 11% were HCV-positive. Longer imprisonment periods were associated with relatively higher HCV prevalence and women with later ages at first sexual intercourse were less frequently HIV-positive, regardless of drug injecting behaviour. HIV prevalence was 44% in women who had ever injected drugs and 6% in those who had never injected. HCV frequency was 69% among injecting drug users (IDUs) and 4% among non-IDUs. In women who injected drugs both HIV and HCV were more frequent when the number of injections was higher and when women reported sharing of injection material. Similar attitudes towards HIV/AIDS were found for HIV-positive and negative women, but those living with HIV had more tolerant positions. This study emphasizes the role of injecting drug use in the transmission of HIV and HCV in women in Portuguese prisons and reinforces the need for the systematic adoption of harm reduction measures.     

Prevalence of hepatitis C in drug users in Flanders: determinants and geographic differences

The prevalence of hepatitis C and related risk factors in drug users were compared in two geographic regions in Belgium, the city of Antwerp and the mixed urban-rural area of Limburg. All 310 participants were surveyed and screened for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Prevalence rates of anti-HCV, anti-HBc and anti-HIV were 71, 62 and 4% in Antwerp and 46, 21 and 0% in Limburg respectively. Injecting drug use, duration of injecting drug use, work as a commercial sex-worker, originating from Turkey or Northern Africa, marginalization and anti-HBc positivity were identified as independent predictors for hepatitis C infection. In this study an important difference in HCV seroprevalence among drug users in a methadone maintenance programme across two geographic regions in Belgium was demonstrated. This was explained not only by variations in drug-related risk behaviour, but also by differences in sexual risk behaviour and socio-economic status.     

Differences in Sexual Identity,Risk Practices,and Sex Partners between Bisexual Men and Other Men among a Low-Income Drug-Using Sample

Hepatitis B vaccination and targeted testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) are recommended for jails with medical services available. This study estimates hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV infection prevalence among jail inmates, since most previous studies have been conducted among prison inmates. Prison and jail populations differ: jails hold a wide spectrum of persons for an average of 10–20 days, including persons awaiting arraignment, trial, conviction, or sentencing, while prisons typically hold convicted criminals for at least 1 year. A stratified random sample of sera obtained during routine syphilis testing of inmates entering jails in Chicago (March–April 2000), Detroit (March–August 1999), and San Francisco (June 1999–December 2000) was tested for serologic markers of HBV and HCV infection. All sera had been previously tested for antibody to HIV (anti-HIV). A total of 1,292 serum samples (12% of new inmates) was tested. Antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) prevalence was 13%. Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) prevalence was 19%, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence was 0.9%; 12% had serologic evidence of hepatitis B vaccination. Hispanics had high rates of chronic HBV infection (3.6% HBsAg positive) along with Asians (4.7% HBsAg positive). Among HIV-infected persons, 38% were anti-HCV positive and 8.2% were HBsAg positive. Anti-HBc positivity was associated with anti-HCV positivity (aOR = 4.58), anti-HIV positivity (aOR = 2.94), syphilis infection (aOR = 2.10), and previous incarceration (aOR = 1.78). Anti-HCV-positivity was associated with anti-HBc positivity (aOR = 4.44), anti-HIV-positivity (aOR = 2.51), and previous incarceration (aOR = 2.90). Jail entrants had high levels of HCV and HBV infection and HIV co-infection; HBV prevalence was comparable to previous prison studies, and HCV prevalence was lower than prison studies. Hispanics had an unexpectedly high rate of chronic hepatitis B infection and had the lowest rate of hepatitis B vaccination. The finding that hepatitis B vaccination coverage among jail entrants is lower than the general population, despite this population’s increased risk for infection, highlights the need to support vaccination in jail settings.     

Increasing hepatitis B vaccine coverage in prisons in England and Wales

The most frequently reported risk factor for hepatitis B infection in England and Wales is injecting drug use (38%). Since approximately 61% of injecting drug users (IDUs) had been imprisoned and less than 40% had received hepatitis B vaccine, a prison based hepatitis B vaccination programme was set up in 2001. At the 42 establishments participating in this study, all prisoners were offered vaccine at reception. Prisoners over 18 years were vaccinated using the 0, 7 and 21 days schedule and those under 18 years, using the 0, 1 and 2 months schedule. As far as possible a fourth dose was given to all after 12 months. In 2003, 14,163 prisoners received at least one dose of vaccine and altogether 26,265 doses were administered. A further 1111 prisoners reported they had already been vaccinated against hepatitis B. The median vaccine coverage rate was 17% (range 0-94%). Despite low coverage levels, the vaccination programme in prisons can be said to have vaccinated a sizable number of young, male prisoners, a group that have previously been shown to be at high risk of infection. The prisons which achieved vaccine coverage levels over 50% had designated nursing staff who ran the vaccination clinics.     

Patterns of Drug Use and HIV-Related Risk Behaviors among Incarcerated People in a Prison in Iran

Previous research indicates that prisoners in Iran are at risk of drug-related harm, including acquisition of blood-borne infections. In response, several prevention interventions have been introduced into prisons in Iran, such as methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). MMT is now provided to opioid-dependent prisoners in 142 of the 230 prisons and correctional settings in Iran. A baseline behavioral survey was conducted in Karaj Central prison which mainly holds prisoners with drug-related charges. Overall, 203 male prisoners from randomly selected rooms in two prison blocks were interviewed using a structured questionnaire in 2007, just before the introduction of MMT program in this prison. Among participants, 7% reported never having used illicit drugs in their lifetime, but 51% had used non-injecting illicit drugs, and as high as 42% reported having injected an illicit drug. Up to 79% (160/203) of all participants reported using drugs, and about 6% (12/203) reported drug injecting during their current incarceration term. Same-gender sexual practice during current incarceration term was reported by 2.5% (5/203) of all male prisoners. Comparison between injecting and non-injecting drug-using prisoners indicated that drug injectors had higher rates of previous incarcerations, commenced drug use at a younger age, were more likely to have used illicit drugs in the previous week, were more likely to have been treated by a physician for drug addiction, had higher rates of registration for methadone treatment inside prison, and were more likely to have been tested for HIV infection. These study findings provide a behavioral profile of prisoners in regard to drug-related harm and can be considered in any plan to introduce or improve provision of MMT in prisons in Iran or other countries with similar features.     

Modelling alternative strategies for delivering hepatitis B vaccine in prisons: the impact on the vaccination coverage of the injecting drug user population

Since 2001 hepatitis B vaccination has been offered to prisoners on reception into prisons in England and Wales. However, short campaigns of vaccinating the entire population of individual prisons have achieved high vaccination coverage for limited periods, suggesting that short campaigns may be a preferable way of vaccinating prisoners. A model is used that describes the flow of prisoners through prisons stratified by injecting status to compare a range of vaccination scenarios that describe vaccination on prison reception or via regular short campaigns. Model results suggest that vaccinating on prison reception can capture a greater proportion of the injecting drug user (IDU) population than the comparable campaign scenarios (63% vs. 55.6% respectively). Vaccination on prison reception is also more efficient at capturing IDUs for vaccination than vaccination via a campaign, although vaccination via campaigns may have a role with some infections for overall control.     

Prevalence and risk factors of HIV,hepatitis B and hepatitis C in a forensic population of rapists and child molesters

The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence as well as the possible risk factors of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, in 194 male prisoners who had been convicted for rape (n = 105) or child molestation (n = 89). HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and anti-HIV-1/2 were tested for. The participants also completed a standard sociodemographic questionnaire, indicating possible risk factors, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and the life-time history of aggression. Anti-HIV antibodies were not found in any of the prisoners. HBsAg was found in 25 (13%), anti-HBc in 94 (49%), anti-HBs in 40 (21%) and anti-HCV in 13 (6.5%) subjects. Logistic regression analysis showed that anti-HCV positivity was associated with intravenous drug use (OR 20.7, 95% CI 1.1-4.9, P<0.001), while HBsAg positivity was associated separately with being foreign (OR 4.0, 95% CI 0.2-2.5, P<0.1), as well as with impulsiveness score (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.11, P<0.02). The prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in this sex offender sample was highly increased in relation to the general population. Since it has been proved that sex offenders are a high-risk group for reoffending, monitoring their health is a necessary step towards prevention of sexually transmitted diseases being spread.     

The 2004 Australian prison entrants' blood-borne virus and risk behaviour survey

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of blood-borne viruses and associated risk factors among prison entrants at seven Australian prisons across four States. DESIGN: Consecutive cross-sectional design. Voluntary confidential testing of all prison entrants for serological markers of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) over 14 consecutive days in May 2004. Demographic data and data related to risks for blood-borne virus transmission, such as sexual activity, body piercing, tattooing, and injecting drug use, were collected. RESULTS: National prevalence for HIV was 1%, hepatitis B core antibody 20%, and hepatitis C antibody 34%. Fifty-nine per cent of participants had a history of injecting drug use. Among injecting drug users, the prevalence of HIV was 1%, hepatitis C antibody 56%, and hepatitis B core antibody 27%. Forty-one per cent of those screened reported a previous incarceration. In the multivariate model, Queensland and Western Australian (WA) prison entrants were significantly less likely to test positive to HCV than those in New South Wales (NSW). Amphetamine was the most commonly injected drug in Queensland, Tasmania and WA. In NSW, heroin was the most common drug injected. In the multivariate analysis a history of injecting drug use, being aged 30 years or more, and a prior incarceration were positively associated with hepatitis C infection. For hepatitis B core antibody, age over 30 years and a history of injecting drug use were associated with an increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the view that prisoner populations are vulnerable to blood-borne virus infection, particularly hepatitis B and C. Prisoner populations should be included in routine surveillance programs so as to provide a more representative picture of blood-borne virus epidemiology in Australia.     

The prevalence and the risk behaviours associated with the transmission of hepatitis C virus in Australian correctional facilities

This study measured the prevalence and the risk factors associated with HCV antibody-positive prisoners. A total of 630 prisoners completed a questionnaire about risk behaviours associated with HCV transmission and were tested for HCV antibody from a blood test. Of these 362 (57.5%) prisoners were HCV antibody positive. A total of 436 (68.8%) prisoners reported ever injecting drugs and 332 reported injecting drugs in prison. HCV-positive prisoners were more likely to have injected drugs (OR 29.9) and to have injected drugs in prison during their current incarceration (OR 3.0). Tattooing was an independent risk factor for being HCV positive (OR 2.7). This is the first study conducted on prisoners that has identified having a tattoo in prison as a risk factor for HCV. Injecting drugs whilst in prison during this incarceration was also a risk factor for HCV. Our results show prisoners who injected drugs outside of prison continue to inject in prison but in a less safe manner.     

Prevalence and incidence of bloodborne viral infections among Danish prisoners

In order to determine the prevalence and incidence of bloodborne viral infections among prisoners, we conducted a prospective study in a Danish medium security prison for males. The prisoners were offered an interview and blood test for hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus HIV at inclusion as well as at release from prison or end of study. Of 403 prisoners available 325 (79%) participated in the initial survey and for 142 (44%) a follow-up test was available. 43% (140/325) of the participants were injecting drug users (IDUs) of whom 64% were positive for hepatitis B (HBV) and 87% for hepatitis C (HCV) markers. No cases of HIV or human T lymphotropic virus (HTLV) were found. 32% of all prisoners could transmit HBV and/or HCV by blood contact. 70% of IDUs had shared injecting equipment, and 60% had injected inside prison. Only 2% of IDUs were vaccinated against HBV. Duration of injecting drug use, numbers of imprisonments, and injecting in prison were independently and positively associated with the presence of HBV antibodies among IDUs by logistic regression analysis. The HBV incidence was 16/100 PY (95% CI: 2–56/100 PY) and the HCV incidence 25/100 PY (1–140) among injecting drug users (IDUs). We conclude that IDUs in prison have an incidence of hepatitis B and C 100 times higher than reported in the general Danish population. They should be vaccinated against hepatitis B and new initiatives to stop sharing of injecting equipment in and outside prison is urgently needed.     

The risk of infection with HIV and hepatitis B in individuals who inject steroids in England and Wales.

Data on injecting anabolic steroid users, within the national Unlinked Anonymous HIV Prevalence Monitoring Survey of injecting drug users (IDUs) were analysed to determine their risk of acquiring blood borne viruses. One hundred and forty-nine participants who had injected anabolic steroids in the previous month were identified from 1991-6, contributing 1.4% of all participation episodes in the survey. Rates of needle and syringe sharing by steroid users were low. Three of the 149 (2.0%) had anti-HBc and none had anti-HIV in their salivary specimens. The prevalence of anti-HBc in steroid injectors was significantly lower than in heroin injectors, 275/1509 (18%) (P < 0.001), or in amphetamine injectors, 28/239 (12%) (P < 0.001). The risk of blood borne virus transmission amongst these steroid injectors is low, probably due to hygienic use of injecting equipment and low levels of sharing. It is important to distinguish steroid injectors from other IDUs because they are a distinct group in terms of lifestyle and injecting practice.     

Surveillance of HIV infection and related risk behaviour in European prisons. A multicentre pilot study

BACKGROUND: In order to demonstrate the feasibility of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and related risk behaviour surveillance in European prisons, a multicentre pilot study was undertaken. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in six European prisons (France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Scotland and Sweden). Inmates were invited to complete a self-administered and anonymous questionnaire and to give a saliva sample in order to test for HIV antibodies. RESULTS: Eight hundred and forty-seven out of 1,124 inmates participated in the survey (response rate 75%). Saliva from 817 inmates (73%) was collected and processed for HIV antibodies. Twenty-seven per cent reported that they had ever injected drugs and 49% of these reported they had injected whilst in prison. Eighteen per cent of inmates reported that they had been tattooed whilst in prison, which was found to be higher among injecting drug users (IDUs). One and sixteen per cent reported that they had ever had homosexual and heterosexual intercourse in prison respectively. The HIV prevalence among IDUs was 4% (versus 1% among non-IDUs) (p = 0.02). The proportions of inmates previously tested for hepatitis C and vaccinated against hepatitis B were 24 and 16% respectively. CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrates the feasibility of cross-sectional surveys in European prison inmates and highlights the importance of surveillance of HIV prevalence and related risk behaviour among inmates. The continuing high HIV prevalence and potential for HIV spread in prisons should encourage decision makers in implementing or enhancing harm reduction and education programmes and substance abuse treatment services in prison.     

Trends in Hepatitis B Virus,Hepatitis C Virus,and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevalence,Risk Behaviors,and Preventive Measures among Seattle Injection Drug Users Aged 18–30 Years, 1994–2004

Injection drug users (IDUs) are at risk for infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Information on time trends in prevalence of these viruses among IDUs and in behaviors influencing their transmission can help define the status of these epidemics and of public health efforts to control them. We conducted a secondary data analysis combining cross-sectional data from IDUs aged 18–30 years enrolled in four Seattle-area studies from 1994 to 2004. Participants in all four studies were tested for antibody to HIV (anti-HIV), hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), and HCV (anti-HCV), and completed behavioral risk assessments. Logistic regression was used to investigate trends in prevalence over time after controlling for sociodemographic, drug use, and sexual behavior variables. Between 1994 and 2004, anti-HBc prevalence declined from 43 to 15% (p < 0.001), anti-HCV prevalence fell from 68 to 32% (p < 0.001) and anti-HIV prevalence remained constant at 2–3%. Declines in anti-HBc and anti-HCV prevalence were observed within the individual studies, although not all these declines were statistically significant. The declines in anti-HBc and anti-HCV prevalence remained significant after control for confounding. Although we did not observe coincident declines in injection equipment sharing practices, there were increases in self-reported needle-exchange use, condom use, and hepatitis B vaccination. We conclude that there has been a substantial and sustained reduction in prevalence rates for HBV and HCV infection among young Seattle IDUs, while HIV rates have remained low and stable. Burt and Thiede are with Public Health—Seattle and King County, Seattle, WA, USA; Hagan is with the National Development and Research Institutes, New York, NY, USA; Garfein and Sabin were with the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; Garfein is currently with the School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA; Sabin is currently with the Global AIDS Program, CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA; Weinbaum is with the Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.     

长沙市孕产妇乙型肝炎、丙型肝炎、艾滋病病毒和梅毒的感染情况

目的了解长沙市孕产妇乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)、丙型肝炎病毒(HCV)、艾滋病病毒(HIV)和梅毒螺旋体(TP)的感染情况,为疾病的预防,保护母婴的身体健康提供依据。方法用ELISA的方法检测HIV、TP、HBV和HCV。结果长沙市孕产妇乙肝表面抗原(HBsAg)、抗-HCV、抗-TP、抗-HIV的阳性率分别为5.85%、0.52%、1.24%、0.09%,且HBsAg、抗-HCV、抗-TP的阳性率随年龄的增大而升高;HBsAg阳性率各年龄组之间比较,差异有统计学意义;HBsAg阳性孕产妇的感染模式以小三阳、大三阳为主;抗-TP阳性率30岁～、40岁～年龄组明显高于20岁～年龄组。结论长沙市孕产妇乙型肝炎、丙型肝炎、梅毒及HIV的感染情况有逐年升高的趋势,需即时采取干预措施,阻断和降低上述疾病的母婴传播。     

Surveillance of HIV and Viral Hepatitis by Analysis of Samples from Drug Related Deaths

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of antibodies against HIV, hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) in postmortem samples from drug related deaths (DRDs) in Denmark.Design: Prospective cohort study. Postmortem samples tested for anti-HIV, anti-HCV anti-HBc and anti-HBs. Comparison to pre-mortem testing when possible. DRDs were searched for in the national register of drug treatment, national prison registers, and the national infectious disease register.Setting: National level.Participants: Drug related deaths admitted to Danish Institutes of Forensic Medicine during 2004.Main outcome measures: Prevalence of antibodies, injection drug use, drug treatment experience and prevalence of cirrhosis.Results: Samples for analysis were obtained from 78% (233/299) of DRDs. The prevalences of anti-HIV, anti-HCV and anti-HBc were 4% (9/214), 51% (110/215), and 35% (74/209), indicating a persisting low prevalence of HIV and a declining prevalence of HCV and HBV. Injecting ever was detected among 45% of DRDs and this was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of hepatitis B and C. Among the DRDs 56% received drug treatment and 12% had cirrhosis at autopsy. Evidence of vaccination against HBV was found among 16% (21/128).Conclusions: Monitoring of viral hepatitis and HIV among DRDs is feasible, and our survey indicates a falling prevalence among Danish drug users. Surveillance based on drug users in treatment may overestimate the true prevalence.     

Coinfections by HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C in imprisoned injecting drug users

In order to know the prevalence and risk factors for coinfections by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among injecting drug users (IDUs), a cross-sectional study was carried out in two prisons of the province of Cantabria, northern Spain. Three hundred and sixty-two IDU inmates were recruited. All inmates were interviewed and their blood tested for HIV, HBV and HCV. Crude and multiple risk factor adjusted for (by polychotomous logistic regression) odds ratios were calculated. Prevalence of HBV-HCV coinfection (42.5%) was higher than HIV-HBV-HCV coinfection (37.3%), whereas monoinfections were very uncommon (overall: 13%). Long-term injectors and reincarceration were the foremost risk factors for both coinfections, showing a trend between the degree of association and the number of viruses infecting a patient. No significant relationship between coinfection status and sexual practices was observed. The results related to coinfections are consistent with previous studies of prevalence and risk factors for HIV, HBV and HCV, in indicating that the high rates of coinfections among IDU inmates emphasise the need to harm-reduction policy across prisons in Spain.     

HIV in prison: what are the risks and what can be done?

Prisons are recognised worldwide as important sites for transmission of blood-borne viruses (BBVs). There are two reasons why transmission risks in prison are higher than in the community. First, in most western countries, many prison entrants have histories of injecting drug use, and thus already have high prevalences of BBVs. Second, the lack or under-supply of preventive measures (such as clean needle and syringes or condoms) in most prisons, combined with extreme social conditions, creates extra opportunities for BBV transmission. HIV prevalence in prisoners in more developed countries ranges from 0.2% in Australia to over 10% in some European nations. There are case reports of HIV being transmitted by sharing injecting equipment and sexual activity. Tattooing has been reported as a risk factor for the transmission of BBVs in prison. Access to condoms and needle and syringe programmes in prisons is extremely limited, despite success when they have been introduced. The vast majority of prison inmates are incarcerated for only a few months before returning to the community--thus they are, over the long term, more appropriately regarded as 'citizens' than 'prisoners'. Public health policy must involve all sections of the community, including prison inmates, if we are to reduce transmission of HIV and other BBVs.