National Prison Entrants’

These studies have shown that the alarming high rates of HBV/HCV co-infection among HIV patients highlight the need for a timely and systematic assessment of these patients. It is evident that early diagnosis and early start of appropriate treatments could increase the length of life for co-infected HIV patients; therefore, comprehensive identification of risk factors and underlying conditions, as well as HIV treatment, are highly recommended to prevent HBV/HCV co-infection among HIV-positive patients.

PLoS ONE, 2013

Objective: Iran has the highest rate of opiate use worldwide. However, most opiate users are not screened for hepatitis virus infections. This study aimed to provide accurate, detailed data on the size of the opiate user population at risk of developing these infections.

Tropical Medicine & International Health, 2010

objective To determine the prevalence and behavioural correlates of HIV, HBV and HCV infections among Indonesian prisoners and to examine the impact of voluntary counselling and testing for all incoming prisoners on access to antiretroviral treatment (ART).

European Journal of Epidemiology, 2010

To determine hepatitis C incidence and the demographic and behavioural predictors in seronegative drug injecting prisoners. Prisoners in New South Wales, Australia who: were aged 18 years and over; reported IDU; had been continuously imprisoned; had a documented negative HCV antibody test result in prison in the last 12 months; provided written informed consent. Subjects were interviewed about their demographic characteristics and detailed risk factors for transmission prior to, and since, imprisonment. A blood sample was collected to screen for HCV antibodies by ELISA and RNA by PCR. Of 253 inmates recruited, 120 were continuously imprisoned and included in this analysis. Sixteen acquired HCV infection indicating an incidence of 34.2 per 100 person years (CI: 19.6-55.6). Risk factors for transmission included prior imprisonment, methadone treatment and greater than 10 years of education. Although the frequency of injecting was reduced in prison, 33.6% continued to inject drugs, most commonly methamphetamine, and 90% of these reported sharing injecting equipment. Prison inmates were at high risk of HCV infection, despite some reduction in high-risk behaviours and access to prevention services. To prevent HCV transmission in prisons, better prevention strategies are required.

Journal of research in medical sciences : the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 2014

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are the three prevalent viral and bloodborne infections worldwide. Considering the similar route of transmission in these infections, their co-infections would be more challenging for health care professionals. Therefore, we investigated the rate of HIV/HBV/HCV co-infection among injection drug users (IDUs) referred to Drop in centers (DICs). In this cross-sectional study (2008-2009), IDUs referred to DICs in Isfahan province were evaluated. Venous blood samples were obtained and HBsAg, HBcAb, HCVAb, and HIVAb measured by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. Demographic data and risk factors in patients with HBV/HCV, HIV/HCV, and HIV/HBV co-infections were obtained by a trained social worker using a structured checklist. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, t-test, and multiple logistic regressions. Totally, 539 IDUs with mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 35.3 (7.9) were stud...

Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2010

Background: Despite the availability of an inexpensive and safe vaccine, injecting drug users (IDUs) remain at risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This paper aimed to measure HBV prevalence and vaccination coverage and to assess knowledge and concordance of status among IDUs. Methods: Participants were recruited through a primary health care and a drug treatment service and via street press in Sydney, Australia. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and serology collected. All received $30 for participation. Results: 229 participants were recruited, serology was available for 209. Almost all those interviewed had been tested for HBV (95%) a median of four (IQR 2-10) times and 61% had been tested in the preceding year. Fifty-four percent had evidence of previous infection (anti-HBc) and 5% were HBsAg positive. Only 27% had serological evidence of vaccination immunity; however, 43% of the sample recalled having being told by a health professional that they were vaccinated against HBV. Although only three participants reported they did not understand the results of their last HBV test, confusion was evident based on self-reported status. Conclusions: Levels of understanding and vaccination coverage were low while evidence of prior infection was high among this IDU sample. This is cause for concern given the majority of participants were recruited through primary care and treatment services. Strategies to bolster vaccination among this group will be discussed.

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 2010

Background: People admitted to correctional facilities often have a history of risky behaviours which frequently lead to transmission of blood-borne viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Our aim was to determine the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV infections among prisoners in Lebanon. Methodology: Conducted between August 2007 and February 2008 in Roumieh Prison, Lebanon, the study included a total of 580 male prisoners aged 16 and above who were randomly selected from four prison blocks. Peripheral blood was collected by a finger prick, blotted onto high-quality filter paper, dried and later eluted to be tested for markers of HIV, HBV and HCV infections. Results: A significantly higher seroprevalence of HBV (2.4%) and HCV (3.4%) was found among prisoners compared to the seroprevalence of these virus infections reported in the general Lebanese population (< 1% for HBV and HCV). Only one of the 580 prisoners tested (0.17%) was confirmed as anti-HIV-positive. The majority (89%) of anti-HCV-positive prisoners had a history of previous imprisonment and were injecting drug users (IDUs). Tattooing was also associated with HCV transmission: all nine anti-HCV-positive prisoners had tattoos compared to only 60% who were anti-HCV-negative. Only HCV genotypes 1 and 3 were detected. Conclusions: We provide evidence for an outbreak of HCV and HBV occurring in Roumieh prison. In addition to vaccinating prisoners against HBV, collaborations should develop between the prison's administration, academic institutions, and community-based organizations to provide HCV prevention services within the prisons.

BMC Public Health, 2010

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in prisoner populations, particularly those with a history of injecting drug use (IDU). Previous studies of HCV incidence have been based on small case numbers and have not distinguished risk events in prison from those in the community.

2007

Objective: To determine the validity of self-reported hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in HIV-infected injection drug users (IDUs) vs. nonIDUs.

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2005

Background. Incarcerated populations are at high risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, yet prisoners are not routinely screened or treated for HCV infection. Understanding the risk factors of HCV infection among prisoners could help improve HCV interventions.