HIV-positive drug users in South Limburg: number and characteristics, a capture-recapture analysis]

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the number of HIV positive drug abusers (HDs) in South Limburg, the Netherlands, and to ascertain the characteristics of this group, so that special HIV healthcare can be planned. DESIGN: Capture-recapture analysis. METHOD: Capture-recapture analysis was carried out and abuser characteristics were determined using three incomplete, partially overlapping registers of HDs from the regional AIDS hospital, the Regional Institute for Addiction and the Municipal Health Service Centres in South Limburg. RESULTS: From the 80 HDs included, the Municipal Health Service Centres observed 59 HDs, the Institute for Addiction 45 and the hospital 44. The capture-recapture analysis gave an estimate of 110 HDs (95% CI: 91-164) in South Limburg. Assuming 1100 drug users in South Limburg of which 76% had injected on one or more occasions, the HIV prevalence among injecting drug users was estimated at 13% (110/836). From the observed HDs 80% were male, with a mean age of 38 years (SD: 7) and a mean age at the onset of drug use of 18 years (SD: 5). All HDs currently injected or had previously injected. The first injected drugs were used at a mean age of 21 years (SD: 6). All HDs used heroine, 84% also used cocaine, 54% were homeless, 91% unemployed and 80% had a history of imprisonment. Further, 71% of the female HDs were prostitutes, 37% of the male ones visited prostitutes, 81% had contracted hepatitis B (of which 20% were a carrier) and all HDs were infected with hepatitis C. An estimate based on prevalence data gave 143/836 (17%) and that based on capture-recapture analysis with two registrations was 102/836 (12%). CONCLUSION: The number of HDs was estimated to be 110. The population had a marginalized existence and there was a risk of HIV spreading.     

Age-specific seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus infection among injection drug users admitted to drug treatment in 6 US cities

OBJECTIVES: This study measured age-specific seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among injection drug users (IDUs) admitted to drug treatment programs in 6 US cities. METHODS: Remnant sera collected from persons entering treatment with a history of illicit drug injection were tested for antibodies to HIV, hepatitis C (anti-HCV), and hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). RESULTS: Prevalence of anti-HBc and anti-HCV increased with age and reached 80% to 100% among older IDUs in all 6 cities. Although overall age-specific HIV prevalence was lower than anti-HCV or anti-HBc, this prevalence was greater in the Northeast than in the Midwest and West. CONCLUSIONS: The need continues for effective primary prevention programs among IDUs specifically targeting young persons who have recently started to inject drugs.     

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C seroprevalence and risk behaviour among community-recruited drug injectors in North West Wales

We estimated the prevalence of markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and injecting risk behaviour, among community-recruited injecting drug users (IDUs) in North West Wales in 2001 and 2002. Sample collection was undertaken by trained current and former IDUs. Oral fluid samples (n = 153) were tested as part of the Unlinked Anonymous Prevalence Monitoring Programme ongoing survey of IDUs. Approximately 12% of the sample reported that they were currently in a drug treatment programme. Of the 153 samples screened 27% (95% CI 20%-34%, 41/153) were anti-HBc positive, and 23% (95% CI 16%-30%, 35/153) were anti-HCV positive. Sixteen per cent (95% CI 10%-22%, 25/ 153) of the samples were positive for both anti-HBc and anti-HCV. Of the subjects 15% (95% CI 9%-20%) knew they had been vaccinated against hepatitis B. Direct sharing of needles and syringes in the 28 days prior to interview was reported by 44% (95% CI 35%-54%), and sharing of any equipment including that used for drug preparation prior to injection was reported by 66% (95% CI 57%-76%). In North West Wales, syringe sharing is a common practice, and a high proportion of IDUs have been exposed to bloodborne viruses. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage within this population appears to be low and needs to be increased. Further efforts are needed to improve the availability of clean injecting equipment.     

Exploring risk perception and behaviour of homeless injecting drug users diagnosed with hepatitis C

Injecting drug users (IDUs) are at the greatest risk of hepatitis C infection by using any item of injecting equipment that has come into contact with contaminated blood. Alongside this, homeless IDUs have been identified as being at increased risk of harm in their illicit drug taking behaviour. This study interviewed 17 hepatitis C positive homeless IDUs about their injecting practices. In-depth interviews explored the impact of a positive hepatitis C diagnosis on their injecting and identified their risk behaviours and perceptions. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and analysed using the framework approach. Homeless IDUs engaged in both high risk and unhygienic injecting practices, such as using drugs outside and in public places, sharing injecting equipment and re-using cleaned needles. Excessive needle reuse whilst in prison was also identified. However, the findings were not universally bleak as a positive diagnosis of hepatitis C did lead to some behaviour change towards safer injecting and some adopted other lifestyle and behaviour changes. It was, however, common for homeless people to devolve responsibility for preventing hepatitis C transmission to their peers, especially when injecting with others. Knowledge regarding possible transmission through injecting paraphernalia appeared to make users more careful to reduce it through these routes. Placing a continuous emphasis on health promotion is therefore important in educating IDUs about the hepatitis C transmission risks associated with injecting drug use. Information regarding safer and hygienic use, including accurate information regarding the most effective methods to clean used equipment, must be re-enforced by people working with homeless injecting drug users.     

女性吸毒人员HIV及病毒性肝炎感染状况及预防模式探讨

目的：了解女性吸毒人员中HIV及病毒性肝炎的感染状况，为制定相应的预防措施提供依据。方法：采用横断面调查的方法，对妇教系统新收入劳教的吸毒人员进行HIV及B型病毒性肝炎(乙肝)及C型病毒性肝炎(丙肝)的血清学检测，分析相互感染的关系。结果：现在或曾经感染过乙肝的比例为60．3％，丙肝感染率为30．3％，HIV感染率为3．3％．其中10例HIV阳性吸毒人员中的4例曾经感染过乙型肝炎。结论：女性吸毒人员HIV及病毒性肝炎的感染情况严重，应该考虑使用包括针具交换及美沙酮维持治疗方法等措施来控制这些疾病在吸毒者中的流行。     

Screening for HIV, HBV and HCV markers among drug users in treatment in rural south-east England

BACKGROUND: This study was designed as an opportunistic screening to estimate the prevalence of blood-borne viral infection among drug users in treatment in the rural population and to investigate related risk factors and use of general health services. METHODS: A total of 102 patients aged 18 years and over (78 male, 24 female) with problematic self-reported drug use, recruited between 1 February 1996 and 31 January 1997, in a mixed urban-rural population in south-east England, were interviewed for information on socio-demographic status, drug use history, HIV-related risk behaviours, hepatitis B vaccination, general practice consultations, and use of A&E departments and medical out-patient clinics. Diagnostic testing was offered to all patients for anti-HIV-1, anti-HBc, HBsAg and anti-HCV. RESULTS: The mean age at onset of illicit drug use for the entire sample was 15.33 (SD 3.36) years; 3.7 per cent (1/27), 20.4 per cent (18/88), and 55.8 per cent (48/86) had antibodies to HIV-1, HBc and HCV, respectively; 1.1 per cent (1/88) tested positive for HBsAg indicative of a carrier state. All 18 patients anti-HBc seropositive were male (p = 0.009). There was no gender difference for anti-HCV serological status. The proportion of town residents and village dwellers seropositive for anti-HBc and anti-HCV did not differ significantly. Patient's age at interview, age at onset of opioid use and duration of opioid use showed a significant association with anti-HBc and anti-HCV serological status. The proportion directly sharing injecting equipment was too small for rigorous statistical analysis; however, indirect sharing involving cooking equipment and frontloading rituals achieved statistical significance. Anti-HBc serological status showed a significant association with vaginal intercourse without a condom (p = 0.03); none of the sexual risk behaviour variables revealed any significant association with HCV infection. Although only one-third of the sample consented to HIV antibody test, consenting and non-consenting groups did not differ significantly except on one variable: having a drug-using sexual partner (chi2 = 5.6167; p = 0.017). Serum aspartate amino transferase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase concentrations were raised above the upper limit in 23 (25.7 per cent) of the 89 patients who gave blood specimens; 41.2 per cent (42/102) were referred to treatment by their general practitioners. There was no significant relationship between HBV and HCV serological status and general practice consultations. Only eight (7.8 per cent) had received hepatitis B vaccination, and although 48 (47.1 per cent) had in the preceding 12 months used A&E departments, only seven (6.2 per cent) had been seen in medical out-patient clinics. CONCLUSION: In this study the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV in the rural population is as high as has been reported for inner cities. The poor uptake of hepatitis B vaccination among drug users, their poor response to HIV antibody test and poor health service utilization suggest the need for an urgent appraisal of service provision and a review of prevention and treatment strategies.     

Response to HBV vaccine in relation to anti-HCV and anti-HBc positivity: a study in intravenous drug addicts

Drug addicts represent the group of young adults with the lowest response to hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine. A study was carried out on 110 current intravenous heroin users attending the service providing assistance to intravenous drug users (IVDUs) (SERT) in Padua: 66.4% of them were found anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive and 33.6% were anti-HBc positive; 29.9% were positive for both. The subjects were vaccinated with 10 microg of yeast-derived vaccine at months 0, 1 and 2 (fast schedule). The overall response rate was 66.4%. Response seems to be affected by positivity to anti-HBc, but not to HCV infection.     

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.     

Prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C antibodies in prisoners in England and Wales: a national survey

Prisoners in eight of the 135 prisons in England and Wales were surveyed in 1997 and 1998 to study the prevalence of and risk factors for transmission of bloodborne viruses in prison. Subjects voluntarily completed a risk factor questionnaire and provided oral fluid specimens for unlinked anonymous testing for the presence of antibodies to HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the core antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBc). Almost 8% (4778) of the total of 60,561 prisoners were eligible and four fifths (3942) of those eligible took part. Among all those tested (3930) 0.4% (14) were positive for anti-HIV, 8% (308) for anti-HBc, and 7% (293) for anti-HCV (the anti-HBc and anti-HCV prevalences were not adjusted for assay sensitivities of 82% and 80%, respectively). Twenty-four per cent (777/3176) of adult prisoners reported ever having injected drugs, 30% of whom (224/747) reported having injected in prison. Three quarters of those who injected in prison (167/224) shared needles or syringes. Among adult injecting drug users, 0.5% (4/775) had anti-HIV, 31% (240/775) anti-HCV, and 20% (158/775) anti-HBc. The presence of anti-HCV and anti-HBc was associated with injecting inside prison and number of previous times in prison. The results suggest that hepatitis viruses are probably being transmitted in prisons through sharing non-sterile injecting equipment and that a risk of HIV transmission exists. Harm minimisation measures for the 6% of prisoners who continue to inject while in prison should be strengthened.     

Prevalence of hepatitis C among injection drug users in England and Wales: is harm reduction working?

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to establish the prevalence of hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV) and hepatitis B antibodies (anti-HBc) among injection drug users in England and Wales. METHODS: A voluntary cross-sectional survey collected oral fluid samples and behavioral information; 2203 injectors were recruited through drug agencies, and 758 were recruited in the community. RESULTS: Prevalence was 30% for anti-HCV, 21% for anti-HBc, and 0.9% for HIV antibodies. Anti-HCV prevalence rates were significantly greater among those with longer injecting careers, those in older age groups, those residing in London, those recruited in drug agencies, those positive for anti-HBc, and those with a previous voluntary HIV test. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-HCV prevalence rates among injectors in England and Wales, where comprehensive harm reduction programs exist, are lower than rates in other industrialized countries.     

Sexual risk for hepatitis B virus infection among hepatitis C virus-negative heroin and cocaine users

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are highly prevalent, often co-occurring infections among drug users. We examined HBV prevalence and risk behaviour patterns among a group of HCV-negative heroin and/or cocaine users in order to understand HBV risk and prevention opportunities among this unique group. Of 164 people enrolled, 44% had injected drugs. Overall, 24% of participants tested positive for exposure to HBV; drug injectors (28%) were only slightly and not significantly (P=0.287) more likely to test positive than those who had never injected drugs (21%). HBV exposure was significantly associated with multiple indicators of greater sex risk. HBV status was not associated with any demographic characteristic, but participants who reported longer duration of cocaine use were significantly less likely to test positive to exposure for HBV. It appears that HBV risk among HCV-negative drug users in this cohort is primarily due to sexual behaviour.     

Reduced risk of hepatitis B and hepatitis C among injection drug users in the Tacoma syringe exchange program.

OBJECTIVES. This case-control study examined the association between syringe exchange use and hepatitis B and C in injection drug users. METHODS. Case patients included 28 injection drug users with acute hepatitis B and 20 with acute hepatitis C reported to the health department in a sentinel hepatitis surveillance county; control subjects were injection drug users with no markers of exposure to hepatitis B or C (n = 38 and 26, respectively) attending health department services during the same period. Data were abstracted from clinic records. RESULTS. Seventy-five percent of case patients with hepatitis B and 26% of control subjects had never used the exchange; similar proportions were found for the hepatitis C case and control groups. After adjustment for demographic characteristics and duration of injecting drugs, nonuse of the exchange was associated with a sixfold greater risk of hepatitis B (odds ratio [OR] = 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5, 20.4) and a sevenfold greater risk of hepatitis C (OR = 7.3; 95% CI = 1.6, 32.8). CONCLUSIONS. The results suggest that use of the exchange led to a significant reduction in hepatitis B and hepatitis C in the county and may have also prevented a substantial proportion of human immunodeficiency virus infections in injection drug users.     

Seroprevalence of blood-borne infections and population sizes estimates in a population of injecting drug users in Croatia

Similar to some other Central European countries, Croatia has low HIV prevalence among injecting drug users (IDUs) but high hepatitis C (HCV) prevalence. This may indicate different patterns of risk behaviour in this region than in other parts of Europe. The main objectives of this study were to assess the seroprevalence of HIV and hepatitis B and C and related risk factors among IDUs in the three largest Croatian cities (Zagreb, Split, Rijeka) and within the national prison system, as well as to apply a multiplier-method population size estimation of IDUs in Zagreb, Split and Rijeka. Recruitment sites were selected in collaboration with the local public health institutes, NGOs, Centers for treatment municipalities and the judiciary system. Participants were recruited during September and October 2007. Trained peer-recruiters were used to recruit IDU participants at treatment and harm reduction centres as well as pre-identified social, commercial and street based venues. Participants completed the study questionnaire and provided venous blood samples for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C testing. The study included 601 participants, of whom 121 were recruited in Split, 130 in Zagreb, 150 in Rijeka and 200 in the prison system. The prevalence of positive anti-HCV tests was 65% in Split, 51% in Zagreb, 29% in Rijeka and 44% in the prisons. The prevalence of anti-HBcAg was 31% in Split, 13% in Zagreb, 9% in Rijeka and 24% in prison. No case of HIV infection was found. The estimated IDUs population sizes were 2,805 for Zagreb area, 3,347 for Split and 1,370 for Rijeka area, however confidence intervals were very large, indicating the need for larger samples. A high frequency of positive markers on hepatitis B virus and C virus in the population of injecting drug users in Croatia has been confirmed with this research, as well as a low prevalence of HIV infection. This may be related to relatively low levels of injecting risk behaviour and injecting frequency although it is not possible to make strong conclusions on risk behaviour, as participants were mostly recruited in harm reduction programmes. This research should be followed by targeted activities for reducing risks of infectious diseases among injecting drug users in the Republic of Croatia and future research at the national level.     

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in The Netherlands in 1996 and 2007

We aimed to assess differences in the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in The Netherlands between 1996 and 2007, and to identify risk factors for HBV infection in 2007. Representative samples of the Dutch population in 1996 and 2007 were tested for antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV-DNA. In 2007, the weighted anti-HBc prevalence was 3·5% (95% CI 2·2-5·5) and the HBsAg prevalence was 0·2% (95% CI 0·1-0·4). In indigenous Dutch participants, the anti-HBc prevalence was lower in 2007 than in 1996 (P=0·06). First-generation migrants (FGMs) had a 13-fold greater risk of being HBsAg- and/or HBV-DNA-positive than indigenous Dutch participants. In indigenous Dutch participants, risk factors for anti-HBc positivity were older age and having received a blood product before 1990. In FGMs, being of Asian origin was a risk factor. In second-generation migrants, having a foreign-born partner and injecting drug use were risk factors. FGMs are the main target group for secondary HBV prevention in The Netherlands.     

Does geographic access to primary healthcare influence the detection of hepatitis C?

Recent work in France has suggested that poor geographic access to primary healthcare may have a negative influence upon detection rates of the hepatitis C virus. Topography and poor infrastructure can exacerbate geographic remoteness, while the stigma surrounding hepatitis C and intravenous drug use may also discourage healthcare-seeking behaviour in rural communities with limited choice of general practitioner. No similar study has been conducted in the UK, where detection rates of hepatitis C are also low. Moreover, the previous French findings did not adjust for the uneven spatial distribution of HCV prevalence and associated risk factors, which raises the possibility that the reported travel-time associations were a reflection of greater hepatitis C prevalence in urban areas (where the travel-times to primary healthcare are short) and not an effect of geographic access to primary healthcare. Using geographic information systems, Poisson regression and a dataset from Tayside (Scotland), we explored whether lower rates of hepatitis C detection were associated with higher travel-times to primary healthcare. We tested whether any travel-time effects remained once the models were adjusted for deprivation, by controlling for the spatial variation of some of the known risk factors of hepatitis C infection. Separate models were calculated according to patient history of opiate substitution therapy to take account of people likely to have been infected through intravenous drug use. Rates of detected hepatitis C were highest among males aged between 25 and 39 years. A statistically significant travel-time-decay effect was observed, though with notable attenuation for all patients after adjusting for deprivation. Further modelling identified a travel-time effect only for those who had received opiate substitution therapy. The absence of a similar effect in the non-opiate substitution therapy group indicates that selection effects, not causation, are the most likely explanation for the initial travel-time-decay effects. Thus, future studies of hepatitis C detection and geographic access to primary healthcare will need to consider ways of controlling for the uneven spatial distribution of HCV prevalence and associated risk factors beyond ecological measures of socioeconomic deprivation.     

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.     

Heterosexual and homosexual transmission of hepatitis C virus: relation with hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

A seroprevalence study was carried out on 1757 outpatients consecutively seen in a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic in order to evaluate the sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV). A total of 1442 consenting patients were tested for hepatitis C, hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HCV, HBV, HIV-1) antibodies. The relations between anti-HCV, anti-HBc and anti-HIV-1 were studied. Of 73 anti-HCV positive reactions, 45 (61.6%) were confirmed by the recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA). The proportion of individuals with anti-HCV was higher in outpatients with a history of sexually transmitted disease than without. It was 2.8% in non drug user heterosexuals and 2.9% in non drug user homosexuals. Intravenous drug users (IDU) had higher anti-HCV prevalence when a history of STD was taken into account (42.3% in subjects with STD versus 36.7% in subjects without STD). Among non drug user heterosexuals an association was found between anti-HCV and anti-HBc. These data suggest that sexual transmission of HCV occurs, although it seems to be less efficient than other parenteral modes of transmission. When a more sensitive and specific marker of HCV infection become available, a more accurate estimate of the frequency and efficiency of the sexual transmission will be possible.     

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.     

Prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis in drug abusers

Authors examined the prevalence of hepatitis B, C and D viral infections in Hungarian drug users. Between January 1995 and October 1998 256 examinations were made (58% intravenous, 42% non intravenous drug user). Hepatitis C virus infection in 27 patients, hepatitis C and B virus infection in 4 patients, hepatitis B virus infection in 17 patients was detected. Every hepatitis B virus positive case was past infection. Hepatitis D virus infection was not detected. Clinically overt liver disease was proved in more than half of the hepatitis C virus infected patients. Because of insufficient collaboration only 11 were followed up. Liver biopsy was made in 5 cases. Interferon therapy was indicated in 3 cases. The 24% of intravenous drug users was anti-HCV seropositive contrary to 1.4% of non intravenous group. Anti-HCV seropositivity was proved in 38% in common needle users, while in disposable needle users only 3%. The prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in intravenous drug users is rather frequent in Hungary too. The exact diagnosis of liver diseases is very difficult as for insufficient collaboration. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in i.v. and non i.v. drug users is the same as in the normal population. The importance of information, especially to avoid common needle use is stressed.     

Hepatitis C infection in a cohort of injecting drug users

Objectives: To establish prevalence rates for hepatitis C antibodies in a cohort of injecting drug users and to study factors influencing positivity. To record current injecting practices. To identify the entry of hepatitis C into the cohort. To investigate the association between HCV positivity and PCR status.

Design: (i) Questionnaire covering demographic data, injecting behaviour, number of sexual partners, awareness of risk behaviour, awareness of serological status and subsequent behaviour change. (ii) Second questionnaire on recent drug use and injecting practices with a strong focus on frequency of sharing paraphernalia. (iii) PCR testing on HCV positive. (iv) Retrospective testing of subgroup to determine entry of hepatitis C into the cohort.

Setting: Recruitment in a large general practice in North West Edinburgh.

Participants: The main study group consisted of a large cohort (619) of past or present illegal drug injectors. The first, n=95, received the questionnaire (i). If they had injected in the past month they also completed the second questionnaire (n=26). PCR testing was carried out on a subset of the group of 95, selected because they had had a recent blood test (n=33). A random group of 20 of the main cohort of 619 who had hepatitis C antibody positive tests were selected for retrospective testing.

Main outcome measures: Prevalence of HCV antibodies, perceived and actual risk-taking behaviour. Antibody status of randomly selected early stored specimens. HCV PCR status.

Results: Positivity was associated with age, year of first use, sharing of injecting paraphernalia, year of most sharing, as well as length of use of injected drugs.

Awareness of HCV as a risk was found to be later than either HBV or HIV. No significant difference was found in numbers of sexual partners between those who were HCV positive and negative. Women and younger drug users were found to engage in more sharing of injecting paraphernalia, with women having more sharing partners. The entry of HCV into the cohort predated the early stored blood samples. No correlation was identified between length of drug use and PCR status.

Conclusions: HCV is acquired early in drug injecting careers. Whether or not this is changing is unclear but attempts to educate and support need to be directed towards younger drug users and women, who are at risk. Knowledge of risks from sharing injecting paraphernalia is poor. The impact of the hepatitis C epidemic is likely to continue to escalate with cases progressing to advanced clinical stages. PCR tests could be employed to select cases for referral or treatment. The harm reduction message needs to be clarified and re-emphasised.