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.     

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。     

Hepatitis virus and HIV infections in inmates of a state correctional facility in Mexico

We sought to determine the prevalence and associated characteristics of hepatitis A, B, C and D viruses and HIV infections in a prison in Durango, Mexico. Sera from 181 inmates were analysed for HAV antibody, hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HCV antibody, HDV antibody, HIV antibody and HCV genotypes. Prevalence of HAV antibody, HBcAb, HBsAg, HCV antibody, HDV antibody and HIV antibody were 99.4, 4.4, 0.0, 10.0, 0.0 and 0.6% respectively. HCV genotype 1a predominated in HCV-infected inmates (62.5%), followed by HCV genotype 1b (25%) and HCV genotype 3 (12.5%). An association between HBV infection and age > 30 years was found. HCV infection was associated with being born in Durango City, history of hepatitis, ear piercing, tattooing, drug abuse history, intravenous drug use and lack of condom use. We concluded that the prevalence of HAV, HBV, HDV and HIV infections in inmates in Durango, Mexico were comparable to those of the Mexican general population and blood donors, but lower than those reported in other prisons around the world. However, HCV infection in inmates was higher than that reported in Mexican blood donors but lower than those reported in other prisons of the world. These results have implications for the optimal planning of preventive and therapeutic measures.     

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。     

Search for hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection in hepatitis C patients in north-eastern Poland. Comparison with anti-HDV prevalence in chronic hepatitis B

Hepatitis C virus and hepatitis D virus have been shown to suppress HBsAg synthesis. Thus it is possible that HDV infection occurs despite the lack of detectable HBsAg. The aim of our study was to (a) determine the prevalence of HDV infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C (b) compare it with the prevalence of HDV infection in HBsAg positive patients with hepatitis B. The study group consisted of 51 chronic hepatitis C patients, 30 HIV infected drug addicts (27 of them were also positive for anti-HCV) and 102 hepatitis B patients. The participants were tested for anti-HDV, anti-HCV and HBsAg. All anti-HCV positive patients were negative for anti-HDV. Four individuals with anti-HDV belonged to hepatitis B group and constituted 3.9% of all HBsAg positive subjects. We conclude that (a) there is currently no evidence of HDV infection among HCV infected patients in our region (b) hepatitis delta infection is rare in north-eastern Poland.     

Intravenous drug addicts: a high risk group for infection with human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis viruses, cytomegalo virus and bacterial infections in Alexandria Egypt

In this work the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and CMV were studied among two groups of population; IVDA (intravenous drug addicts) (100) and control group (40). Syphilis and other bacterial infections which may be encountered among IVDA were also investigated. It was found that all serum samples (of both groups) were negative for anti-HIV. Regarding HBV markers, the prevalence of HBc antibodies was significantly higher among IVDA (62%) than the control group (27.5%). Also HBsAg was detected in 16% of IVDA while it was 75% among the control group. Prevalence of anti-HCV was significantly higher among IVDA (63%) than the control group (27.5%). The prevalence of co-infection with HBV and HCV was significantly higher in IVDA (40%) than the control group (15%). Sharing of needles and duration of drug use were positively associated with the presence of both HBV markers and anti-HCV. CMV seroprevalence was high in both groups. Antibodies to Syphilis were found in sera of 3 IVDA and one control using MHA-TP test. Although HIV infection has not yet been sufficiently introduced among IVDA in Alexandria but potentials for its spread among addicts are high as supported by observation that other infections with similar mode of transmission are common among addicts.     

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。     

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。     

延边农村地区朝鲜族HBV、HCV、HDV感染状况调查

为摸清延边农村地区朝鲜族人群乙、丙、丁型肝炎病毒(HBV、HCV、HDV)感染状况,用ELISA法对585名朝鲜族成年人进行了HBV、HCV和HDV感染标志物的检测.HBV、HCV标化感染率与HBsAg标化阳性率分别为50.91%、4.85%和8.57%,年龄组间差异无显著性.HBV、HCV双重感染率为2.56%,HBV与HCV的感染相关无显著性.42例HBsAg阳性者中HDV感染率4.76%.HBV感染模式有15种,其中以单项抗-HBs阳性多见,人群中占31.97%.表明人群中HBV、HCV和HDV感染的流行情况不同.     

Anti-HIV and anti-HBc antibodies and HBsAg in postmortem blood of drug addicts: the picture for 1988

Serological markers of HIV and HBV infections were studied in 90 drug addicts who died in 1988 and were medicolegally autopsied at the Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Turin. Nineteen (21.1%) displayed evidence of HIV infection, demonstrated by the presence of anti-HIV antibodies; fifty-nine (65.5%) HBV infection, demonstrated by the presence of anti-HBc antibodies and/or HBsAg; nine (10%) had HBsAg, indicating potential infectiousness for HBV infection.     

Prevalence of hepatitis virus infections in Albanian refugees

A sample of 393 Albanian refugees, including both children and adults, was tested for serological HAV, HBV, HDV and HCV markers. A high prevalence of infection with both the hepatitis A and B viruses was found, while HDV and HCV infections were uncommon. The overall prevalence of anti-HAV was 96%; it was very high in children 0-10 years, suggesting that HAV infection is largely acquired during childhood and that poor ambiental conditions influence the spreading of this viral infection.One or more serological markers of HBV infection were found in 295 Albanians (75%), confirming the endemic nature of this virus in the Albanian community. The overall prevalence of HBsAg was 19%, and the carrier rate was higher in males than in females. The high HBsAg prevalence among children suggests that HBV infection is usually acquired in early childhood.The serological data obtained in the Albanian sample examined clearly indicate the urgent need for measures to reduce the incidence of HAV and HBV infections and to avoid the further spread of HDV and HCV infections.Finally, the high prevalence of type B hepatitis indicates the necessity of vaccination against HBV for all risk groups and for all children at birth.     

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。     

四川省高危人群丙型,乙型肝炎病毒感染状况的研究

对519名高危人群（静脉吸毒者和卖淫女）进行了HCV、HBV感染状况的研究。结果显示：静脉吸毒者和卖淫女的HCV感染率分别为28．68％和9．83％;HBV标志物阳性率分别为88．24％和89．47％;HBsAg携带率分别为40．81％和20．24％。与我省正常人群的HCV和HBV感染率相比差异有显著性。提示：HCV和HBV除经血液途径传播外．也可经性接触传播。     

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.     

娄底市吸毒人群HIV、HBV、HCV、梅毒感染状况及影响因素分析

目的了解娄底市吸毒人群HIV、HBV、HCV、梅毒感染状况及影响因素,为吸毒人群中这几种疾病的综合防治提供依据。方法对娄底市戒毒所戒毒人员面对面进行匿名问卷调查,并采集静脉血进行HIV、HBV、HCV和梅毒血清学检测。结果182名吸毒人员中,HIV抗体阳性1例,阳性率为0.55%、HBsAg阳性24例,阳性率为13.19%、HCV抗体阳性92例,阳性率为50.55%、梅毒抗体阳性12例、阳性率为6.59%,合并感染HIV/HCV1例,占0.55%,合并感染HBV/HCV12例,占6.59%,合并感染梅毒/HCV7例,占3.85%。结论该市吸毒人群中HCV、梅毒感染率较高,与他们的多性伴和注射毒品行为有关,应积极开展针对性地干预措施。     

48例静脉药瘾者多重病毒感染临床分析

目的探讨静脉药瘾病毒性肝炎患者多重病毒感染率及转归。方法对48例静脉药瘾病毒性肝炎患者进行乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）、丙型肝炎病毒（HCV）、人免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）血清标志物及核酸测定,并进行临床分析。结果48例静脉药瘾病毒性肝炎患者中,HBV、HCV双重感染率为31.25%,HBV、HIV双重感染率为4.17%,HBV、HCV、HIV三重感染率为62.50%;重型肝炎者占70.83%。重型肝炎患者住院时间为（48.67±19.25）d,与同期住院的非药瘾重型肝炎患者住院时间（65.32±31.49）d相比,明显缩短（U=4.25,P＜0.01）。结论静脉药瘾者病毒重叠感染率高,且重型肝炎患者多,但相对非药瘾重型肝炎患者恢复较快。     

Measures to reduce HIV infection have not been successful to reduce the prevalence of HCV in intravenous drug users

The objective of the study was to determine whether measures taken to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection also lead to a reduction in the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among intravenous drug users (IDU). Antibodies to HCV, HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) were determined in IDU who voluntarily attended AIDS prevention and information centres for the first time between 1990 and 1996. Of the 5473 IDU studied, determination of HCV was done in 3238 cases. The prevalence of antibodies to HCV was 85%. During the first period studied (1990–1992), the prevalence of antibodies to HCV was 84.5%, during the second (1993–1994) 84.1% and during the third (1995–1996) 87%; in the case of HBV the prevalence during the three periods was 74.5, 67.6 and 66.8% respectively, and for HIV it was 41.9, 38.8 and 36.6% respectively (RR: 0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65–0.81). Among drug users addicted for less than 2 years, the trend of the prevalence of antibodies to HCV and HBV remained constant, while the prevalence of HIV infection decreased (RR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.42–0.89). Measures to prevent transmission of HIV in drug users do not lead to a reduction in the prevalence of HCV infection. Further study is necessary to obtain a better understanding of how HCV is transmitted among drug users in order to apply measures which are effective in preventing HCV infection.     

湖北吸毒人群中HIV、HBV、HCV、HGV、TTV感染情况调查

目的 了解湖北吸毒人群中HIV、HBV、HCV、HGV及TTV感染情况。方法 对湖北某戒毒所及本科室门诊的吸毒者进行调查并采静脉血分离血清作抗HIV、HBsAg、抗HCV、抗HGv、抗TTV检测。结果 89例吸毒者中，发现HIV阳性2例，阳性率为2．2％；FIBsAg阳性9例，阳性率为10．1％；HCV阳性51例，阳性率为57．3％；HGV阳性48例，阳性率为53．9％；42例吸毒者检查TTV，阳性25例，阳性率为59．5％。结论 在静脉吸毒人群中存在着较高的血传播病毒感染，且多为合并感染。湖北吸毒人群中的HIV感染尚为传入阶段，亟需采取有力措施控制HIV在吸毒人群中的传播。     

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.