Infection with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis viruses in Chinese drug addicts.

The prevalence of antibody against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) and five hepatitis B virus markers (HBVM) was measured in 176 Chinese drug addicts, of whom 23 were AIDS patients. Of 176 drug addicts, 147 were members of ethnic minorities while 29 were Han, the majority ethnic group. The total prevalence rates of anti-HCV and HBVM were 35.8% and 50.6% respectively, significantly different (P < 0.01). Anti-HCV and HBVM were together found in 22.7%. Similar prevalence rates were found among the different ethnic groups. Among the ethnic minorities, there was a significantly higher prevalence rate of anti-HCV in intravenous drug addicts (IVDA, 51.1%) than in oral drug addicts (20.3%). Furthermore, the prevalence of anti-HCV was significantly higher in needle-sharing abusers (60.4%) than in non-needle sharing ones (37.1%, P < 0.05). The prevalence of HBVM was also significantly higher in needle-sharing abusers (69.8%) than in non-needle sharing ones (34.3%). Prevalence of HBsAg was significantly higher in drug abusers with AIDS (47.8%) than in IVDA only (16.1%). The anti-HCV positive rates among ethnic minority people were: for the Yi people 69.2%, the Hui 55.6%, the Bai 53.9%, the Dai 26.8% and the Wa 23.1%. No obvious difference was identified for HBVM. The prevalence rates of HCV, HBV and HCV + HBV in IVDA showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the two regions. HIV, HCV and HBV infections may promote each other and be related to needle-sharing behaviour in drug abuse and to different subcultures and living habits.     

Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus infections among drug addicts in Bangladesh

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among 266 drug users attending a drug-addiction treatment centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 1996 to April 1997. Of the 266 addicts, 129 were injectable drug users (IDUs), and 137 were non-injectable drug users (non-IDUs). The seroprevalences of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV antibodies among the IDUs were 8 (6.2%), 41 (31.8%), 15 (11.6%), and 32 (24.8%), and among the non-IDUs were 6 (4.4%), 33 (24.1%), 9 (6.6%), and 8 (5.8%) respectively. None of the drug users were positive for anti-HIV antibody. Although the prevalence of HBV infection did not significantly differ between the IDUs and the non-IDUs, the prevalence of HCV infection was significantly higher among the IDUs. Among the IDUs, the prevalence of both HBV and HCV infections was associated with sharing of needles and longer duration of injectable drugs used. The seroprevalence of HBV infection in both IDUs and non-IDUs was significantly higher among those who had a history of extramarital and premarital sex. The prevalence of HCV infection was not associated with sexual promiscuity. There was no association between the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections and age. Active preventive programmes focusing on educational campaigns among the youths against substance abuse should be undertaken.     

福州市部分戒毒人员艾滋病、乙肝、丙肝及梅毒感染状况调查

[目的]了解福州市吸毒人群艾滋病病毒(HIV)、乙肝病毒(HBV)、丙肝病毒(HCV)及梅毒螺旋体的感染情况。[方法]2004年用酶联免疫吸附试验对福州市某戒毒劳教所的戒毒人员进行抗-HIV、HBsAg、抗-HCV、TP检测。[结果]检测482名戒毒人员,HBsAg阳性率为17.2%,抗-HCV阳性率为60.6%,TP阳性率为16.0%,抗-HIV阳性率为1.9%;抗-HIV阳性率、抗-HCV阳性率,注射吸毒者高于烫吸毒者;482名戒毒人员中,在HIV、HBV、HCV、梅毒中有1项或多项感染者358人,占74.27%,9名HIV感染者均同时感染HBV、HCV、梅毒。[结论]戒毒人员是HIV、HCV、梅毒感染的高危人群,应加强对此群体的宣传教育和行为干预。     

盐都区226例美沙酮维持治疗门诊戒毒人员病毒性肝炎／梅毒／HIV感染检测

[目的]了解戒毒人员HIV、HCV、梅毒、HBV感染状况,为更有针对性地开展干预工作提供科学依据。[方法]对2008年10月至2009年10月到盐都区疾病预防控制中心美沙酮维持治疗门诊接受美沙酮维持治疗的戒毒人员HIV抗体、抗-HCV、梅毒抗体、HBsAg检测资料进行分析。[结果]检测226人,HBsAg阳性率为10．18％;抗一HCV阳性率为56．64％;梅毒抗体阳性率为19．47％,HIV抗体均为阴性。226人中,HBsAg和抗-HCV均阳性的占6．19％,抗-HCV和梅毒抗体均阳性的占14．60％,HBsAg和梅毒抗体均阳性的占0．44％,单纯HBsAg阳性的占3．54％。单纯抗-HCV阳性的占37．17％,单纯梅毒抗体阳性的占4．42％,4项指标均阴性的占33．63％。[结论]接受美沙酮维持治疗的戒毒人群HBV、HCV、梅毒感染率和重叠感染率均较高。     

Prevalence of HBV,HDV and HIV infections among intravenous drug addicts in Greece

The prevalence of HBV, HDV and HIV infection was studied in 288 imprisoned intravenous drug addicts (IVDA) and 329 controls. Commercially available radioimmunoassays for the detection of HBV and HDV serologic markers and enzyme-immunoassays for IgM anti-HBc and anti-HIV were used. Anti-HIV positive results were confirmed by Western Blot. The prevalence of IIBV serologic markers among IVDA (77.1%) was found considerably higher than among controls (22.5%). An increased prevalence of HBsAg carriers (6.9%) and anti-HBc alone positives (9.7%) was also found. IVDA carriers were more frequently HBeAg positive (25.0%) and HDV serologic markers were detected in 35.0% (7/20) of them. Anti-HIV were detected in 6 (2.1%) IVDA but in none control. These data show the widespread HBV and HDV infections among Greek IVDA and suggest the need for continuation of the initiated hepatitis B vaccination program. Anti-HIV prevalence is yet low. However there is urgent need for an extensive campaign to limit the further spread of the HIV among this high risk group.Corresponding author.     

广州市1324名吸毒人员HIV、HBV、HCV及梅毒感染状况调查

目的了解广州市吸毒人群HIV、HBV、HCV及梅毒感染状况,为制定针对该地区吸毒人群常见传染病的防治措施提供依据。方法于2009年7月—2011年6月,抽取广州市某戒毒所收入的1 324例吸毒人员静脉血,检测HIV、HCV和梅毒抗体以及HBV表面抗原。结果 1 324例吸毒人群中,HIV抗体阳性74例,阳性率4.2%;乙肝表面抗原阳性率12.2%,丙肝抗体阳性率40.5%,梅毒螺旋体明胶颗粒凝集试验(TPPA)阳性率6.1%。21.8%的吸毒人员同时检出2种传染病,2.2%的吸毒者同时检出3种传染病。结论广州市吸毒人群中HCV、HBV、梅毒及HIV仍存在较高的感染率,应继续重视对该人群的监管监测及宣传教育。     

Hepatitis-C and hepatitis-B co-infections in patients with human immunodeficiency virus in Tehran, Iran

We carried out a study to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections in HIV positive patients at a main referral center for HIV/AIDS in Iran. Serum samples from 201 HIV positive patients referring to a referral center for HIV/AIDS were analyzed for the presence of some hepatitis B (HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs) and Hepatitis C (anti-HCV) markers, during 2004- 2005. HBsAg was positive in 27 patients (13.4%), anti-HBc was positive in 60 patients (29.8%) and anti-HBs in 23 patients (11.4%). Anti-HCV Ab was positive in 135 of 201 (67.2%). HBV and HCV coinfection was observed in 73 of 201 (36.3%). The maximum prevalence of HBV-HIV and HCV-HIV coinfections were seen in intravenous drug users; 61.2% and 85.1%, respectively (P<0.0001). The minimum prevalence of HBV-HIV and HCV-HIV were seen in HIV patients' wife (HIV(+) patients who were infected by monogamous sexual contact with their HIV positive husband) both of them were 8% (P<0.0001). This study showed that HBV-HIV and HCV-HIV coinfections are significant in patients with HIV/AIDS in Iran. A greater relevance was observed in the association between HCV and HIV. This study suggests that it is necessary to investigate risk factors and risk groups for these infections in Iran.     

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and its association with natural infection of hepatitis B virus among preschool children in Taiwan

Taiwan is a hyperendemic area of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection where chronic hepatitis B is the most important cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatoma. Since, diagnostic kit for detecting hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been developed, HCV was found to be another important etiology of chronic liver disease. In order to study the seroprevalence of HCV infection among preschool children after mass hepatitis B vaccination program in Taiwan, a community-based survey was carried out in 54 kindergartens in 10 urban areas, 10 rural areas, and two aboriginal areas randomly selected through stratified sampling. Serum specimens of 2538 preschool children were screened for the HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) by a commercially available third-generation microparticle enzyme immunoassay and for HBV markers by radioimmunoassay methods. The multivariate-adjusted odd ratios (OR_m) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated through the multiple logistic regression analysis. A total of 58 children were anti-HCV seropositive, giving a prevalence of 2.3%. The prevalence of anti-HCV was 1.0% (5 of 484) among aboriginal children, a significantly decreased seroprevalence compared with those among other ethnic groups after multivariate adjustment. Boys had a higher anti-HCV seroprevalence, but not statistically significantly different from girls (OR_m: 1.6; 95% CI: 0.9–2.8; p = 0.08). The seroprevalence of the age group of 3–4 years was lower than that of the age group of 5–6 years (OR_m: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1–4.2; p = 0.02). After multivariate adjustment, preschool children with natural HBV infection had a higher anti-HCV seroprevalence, but not statistically significantly different from those without natural HBV-infection (OR_m: 2.6; 95% CI: 0.9–7.4; p = 0.08 for HBV-infected vs. uninfected). HCV infection varies with gender, residential area, and natural HBV infection. HCV and HBV might share common transmission routes in Taiwan.     

2006年南宁市某社区部分注射吸毒人员HBV、HCV、HIV、梅毒感染情况调查

[目的]了解南宁市社区注射吸毒人员的乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）、丙型肝炎病毒（HCV）、艾滋病病毒（HIV）、梅毒螺旋体（TP）感染情况。[方法]2006年3月，对南宁市某社区内的189名注射吸毒人员进行调查，采血检测HBsAg、抗-HCV、抗-HIV、梅毒抗体。[结果]检测189人，HBsAg阳性率为7．94％，抗-HCV阳性率为91.01％，TP感染率为4.76％，抗-HIV阳性率为19．05％，36名HIV感染者均合并感染HCV。[结论]某社区注射吸毒人员HCV、HIV、TP感染率较高。     

江阴市美沙酮门诊吸毒人员HBV、HCV和HIV感染状况调查

目的了解江阴市区吸毒人员HBV、HCV和HIV感染状况,以期为该地区重点人群病毒性肝炎和艾滋病毒的防治提供依据。方法检测初次来美沙酮门诊登记的吸毒人员210例样本血清中HCV-IgG,HBaAg,HIV抗体。结果该地区美沙酮门诊吸毒人员的HCV—IgG阳性率为70．48％,HBsAg阳性率为7．14％,HIV抗体的阳性率为1．43％。其中有9人为HBV和HCV合并感染,合并感染率为4．29％;有2人为HIV,HCV合并感染,合并感染率0．95％;有1人为HIV、HBV、HCV合并感染,合并感染率为0．48％．结论要重视吸毒人员的HCV和HIV的感染现状,进行重点的监管和监测,防止HCV和HIV感染加剧。     

温州地区产妇HBV、梅毒、HCV及HIV感染情况调查分析

目的:了解HBV、梅毒螺旋体、HCV及HIV在产妇中的感染趋势及其在不同年龄段的感染情况。方法:对温州地区三大医院2002~2004年22447例产妇进行调查并按年龄组分析。结果:各年份产妇HBV的阳性率分别为12·53%、11·42%、11·27%,差异无统计学意义(P>0·05);梅毒螺旋体的阳性率分别为0·30%、0·52%、0·86%,感染率逐年升高(P<0·05);HCV的感染率分别为0·06%、0·08%、0·24%,2004年高于2003年(P<0·01);2002、2003年分别有1例产妇HIV抗体检测阳性。产妇按年龄分≤24岁,25~29岁,≥30岁组比较,梅毒螺旋体的感染率分别为0.87%、0·49%及0·39%,差异有统计学意义(P<0·01)。结论:3年HBV感染率均较高,无统计学意义,但有略为下降的趋势;梅毒螺旋体、HCV的感染率有明显增加;≤24岁年轻产妇梅毒螺旋体感染率较≥25岁产妇高,HIV在产妇中已有检出。     

静脉注射毒品人群中HIV、HBV和HCV感染的现况研究

目的了解静脉注射毒品人群中人类免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）、乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）和丙型肝炎病毒（HCV）的感染情况。方法从四川、湖南、广西和新疆等地静脉注射毒品人群中采集血液样本2025份，应用酶联免疫试剂盒检测抗-HIV、抗-HCV抗体和HBsAg。结果红静脉沣射毒品人群中，抗-HIV、抗-HCV及HBsAg的阳性率分别为14．7％～30．4％、60．7％～85．5％和6．6％～22．4％，其HIV／HBV、HIV/HCV、HCV／HBV和HIV／HCV／HBV合并感染率分别为0％～0．4%、11．6％～27．2％、2．3％～14．3％和1．6％～4．8％。结论静脉注射毒品人群中HIV、HBV和HCV的感染率均高于正常人群，其中HIV与HCV合并感染率最高。     

Hepatitis B and C virus infections in Turkish children with cancer

In this study, we tested 137 Turkish children with cancer (51 with acute leukemia, 48 with lymphoma, 38 with solid tumors) while they were undergoing chemotherapy, and a control group of 45 for evidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The control group included children with other disease who had applied to the outpatient clinic during the study period and had no history of jaundice or transfusion. Sixty-five (47.4%) patients with cancer and 7 (20%) children in the control group were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (p < 0.01). HBV DNA was detected in 59 (43.1%) patients and in 9 (20%) controls (p < 0.01). HCV specific antibody (anti-HCV) was detected in 8 (5.8%) patients and in 1 (2.2%) control (p > 0.05). Eight patients (5.8%) had circulating HCV RNA, but none had in the control group (p = 0.09). Ten (13.9%) of the 72 patients who were negative for HBsAg had circulating HBV DNA, and 7 (5.4%) of the 129 patients who were negative for anti-HCV had circulating HCV RNA. We concluded that HBV and HCV infections are common among Turkish children with cancer. In countries where HBV infection is widespread among the general population as in Turkey, children with cancer are under greater risk for HBV infection.     

Sexual behaviour and multiple infections in drug abusers

We have studied the prevalence and the serological profile of HBV, HCV, HDV and HIV infections in 137 Italian subjects addicted to the intravenous use of heroine and correlated the virological findings with sexual behaviour. HBV and HCV viremia were also measured in 114 patients. Anti-HCV was detected in 81% of the addicts, and one or more markers of HBV infection were detected in 62.8% (4.4% were carriers of HBsAg, 58.4% had evidence of past HBV infection and 13.1% of the latter also had HDV markers). Anti-HIV was positive in 23.4%; 26% of those positive for anti-HCV and 4.6% of those positive for HBV markers had no other viral marker: none had only anti-HIV. HBV-DNA was negative in the carriers of HBsAg, and HCV-RNA was not detected in any of the HBsAg carriers who also had circulating anti-HCV Overall, 34% of the anti-HCV positive addicts had HCV-RNA in their blood. The prevalence of the virus infection correlated with the duration of drug addiction but not with sexual behaviour, and sexual behaviour did not influence the acquisition of any virus. HCV infection was most frequent and probably the first infection to occur, but exposure to HBV was also common despite a low rate of HBsAg carriage. The prevalence of HDV infection was high (50%) in the HBsAg carriers, while the overall prevalence of HIV was lower (23%) than expected. Lack of HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA in carriers of HBV with anti-HCV in serum may indicate that HBV and HCV mutually inhibit their own replication.     

Prevalence of hepatitis B,hepatitis C,syphilis and HIV in Georgian blood donors

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) virus and syphilis in the population of blood donors in Georgia has been investigated. Out of 4970 donors 7.3% had anti-HCV (6.9% confirmed), HbsAg was positive in 4.1% (3.4% confirmed), Seroprevalence of Syphilis was 2.3%. Three individuals had HIV. Prevalence of HCV and HBV in Georgia is higher than national prevalence estimates of viral hepatitis in neighboring countries.     

Prevalence of HBV,HDV and HCV hepatitis markers in HIV-positive patients

Since HIV infection could condition the natural history of parenterally transmitted viral hepatitis (HBV, HCV, HDV), with possibly differing effects in different risk groups, we decided to retrospectively examine sera from a cohort of 637 HIV seropositive patients in different stages of infection, seen from 1985 to 1992, to study the prevalence and temporal course of these infections. Virological markers of HBV, HCV and HDV were determined by ELISA and RIBA methods. The severity of HIV infection was higher in homosexuals than in drug addicts. Prevalence of antiHBc antibodies was 82% in drug addicts and 77% in homosexuals, whereas antiHCV antibodies prevalence was 72% in drug addicts and only 7% in homosexuals (p<0.000001). When only antiHBc-positive patients were considered, there was a significant difference in antiHBs antibodies between drug addicts (DA) and homosexuals (OR for DA 0.29, 95% CI 0.08/0.83,p=0.02), suggesting that drug addicts are less able to produce a protective response. This fact cannot be explained by the severity of HIV infection (which was higher among the homosexual group) and suggests some immunodepressive effect of drug abuse. Delta infection was only detected in the drug addict group, and the prevalence was low. Finally, we cannot confirm the interference of HCV infection with the speed of HBsAg clearance: in this study the prevalence of HBsAg was almost the same in HCV-positive and negative patients.     

广东省1995～2001年HIV抗体阳性献血员合并HBV、HCV、梅毒感染状况调查

目的 了解广东省1995～2001年献血员HIV流行的特征及与其他传染病合并感染情况，为制定HIV经血源传播防治策略提供依据。方法 收集1995～2001年广东省HIV抗体阳性献血员资料进行分析，并进行HBV、HCV和梅毒血清学检测。结果 1995～2001年，广东省累计HIV抗体阳性献血员167例，占全省报告HIV感染总数的5．44％(167／3072)，且献血员中HIV抗体阳性人数逐年增长。167例病例中以男性为多(88．02％)；年龄主要集中在20～29岁组(55．09％)；病例送检地区以广州、深圳和东莞为主；其原籍主要是广东省和河南省。128例肌，抗体阳性献血员中抗-HCV、梅毒抗体及HBsAg阳性率分别为79．69％、7．81％及3．13％，HIV／HCV／梅毒、HIV／HBV／HCV、HIV／HBV／梅毒三重感染率分别为7．81％、3．13％及0，未发现四重感染。结论 广东省肌，抗体阳性献血员合并HCV和梅毒感染率高。应加强献血员的筛查及流动人口的管理，以控制HIV,HBV和HCV经献血员向一般人群传播。     

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses infection in chronic alcoholics with or without liver disease in Ioannina, Greece: Low incidence of HCV infection

Intravenous heroin abusers comprise a high risk group for hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) infection. Chronic alcoholics with liver disease (LD) also comprise a high risk group for HBV infection whereas the frequency of antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) ranges from 27–42.6%. In this study, HBV and HCV infection markers were determined in alcoholic patients with (83 patients) or without LD (68 patients) in order to assess the prevalence of these markers (HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb and anti-HCV). The reason for the study was a lack of established data in this group of patients in Greece. The disease control groups consisted of 70 non-alcoholic hospitalized patients and 60 heroin addicts, whereas 1342 healthy blood donors were also investigated. Our results showed significantly increased prevalence of HBV infection markers in chronic alcoholic patients compared to healthy controls and non-alcoholic hospitalized patients. The findings were independent of the presence or absence of LD. In contrast to heroin addicts, where anti-HCV antibodies were observed in 90%, there was no difference in the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in chronic alcoholics (with or without LD), nonalcoholic hospitalized patients or healthy controls. In conclusion, we found that in this area of northwestern Greece, chronic alcoholics, independent of the presence of LD, comprise a high risk group for HBV infection but very rarely have HCV infection. The latter finding may reflect technical or socioeconomic differences regarding the lifestyle of our patients, and our population in general.     

Decrease in the prevalence of hepatitis B and a low prevalence of hepatitis C virus infections in the general population of the Seychelles

A serological survey of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections was carried out on a random sex- and age-stratified sample of 1006 individuals aged 25-64 years in the Seychelles islands. Anti-HBc and anti-HCV antibodies were detected using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), followed by a Western blot assay in the case of a positive result for anti-HCV. The age-adjusted seroprevalence of anti-HBc antibodies was 8.0% (95% CI: 6.5-9.9%) and the percentage prevalence among males/females increased from 7.0/3.1 to 19.1/13.4 in the age groups 25-34 to 55-64 years, respectively. Two men and three women were positive for anti-HCV antibodies, with an age-adjusted seroprevalence of 0.34% (95% CI: 0.1-0.8%). Two out of these five subjects who were positive for anti-HCV also had anti-HBc antibodies. The seroprevalence of anti-HBc was significantly higher in unskilled workers, persons with low education, and heavy drinkers. The age-specific seroprevalence of anti-HBc in this population-based survey, which was conducted in 1994, was approximately three times lower than in a previous patient-based survey carried out in 1979. Although there are methodological differences between the two surveys, it is likely that the substantial decrease in anti-HBc prevalence during the last 15 years may be due to significant socioeconomic development and the systematic screening of blood donors since 1981. Because hepatitis C virus infections are serious and the cost of treatment is high, the fact that the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies is at present low should not be an argument for not screening blood donors for anti-HCV and eliminating those who are positive.     

衡阳市在押吸毒人群HIV/HBV/HCV/TP/CD4^＋T淋巴细胞检测结果分析

目的了解2009年衡阳市在押吸毒人群中艾滋病（HIV）、乙型肝炎（HBV）、丙型肝炎（HCV）、梅毒（TP）的感染状况以及HIV感染者CD4^＋T淋巴细胞水平,为预防、控制和治疗相关疾病提供参考依据。方法采集衡阳市某劳教所在押吸毒人群血样,检测HIV抗体、HBsAg、HCV抗体、TP,并对HIV感染者做CD4^＋T淋巴细胞计数。结果全年共检测在押吸毒人群1002人,其中HIV抗体阳性101人（10.1%）,HBsAg阳性167人（16.7%）,HCV抗体阳性805人（80.3%）,TP阳性19人（1.9%）。在101人HIV感染者中,HIV＆HBV、HIV＆HCV、HIV＆TP双重感染分别为13人（12.9%）、96人（95.0%）和1人（1.0%）;HIV＆HBV＆HCV和HIV＆HCV＆TP三重感染分别为11人（10.9%）和1人（1.0%）;CD4＋T淋巴细胞〈200/mm3者32人（31.7%）,200～499/mm3者54人（53.5%）,≥500/mm3者15人（14.9%）。结论在押吸毒人群HIV、HBV、HCV感染率均较高,且多重感染者较多见,应加大对吸毒人群防病知识的宣传教育,减少HIV等疾病在高危人群中的传播。