Rates of HIV and Hepatitis Infections in Clients Entering Heroin-Assisted Treatment between 2003 and 2013 and Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Infection
BACKGROUND/AIMS:
We
report on the rates of hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV),
hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1,313 clients entering heroin-assisted
treatment (HAT) in Switzerland from 2003 to 2013. We identify predictors of HCV
infection.
METHODS:
Data were
collected using questionnaires within 2 weeks of clients' first entry into HAT.
Prevalence of HAV, HBV, HCV and HIV was
calculated using laboratory test results collected at entry or using reports of
older test results. Predictors of HCV status were identified through multiple
logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS:
Results
show stable rates of HIV-positive clients and decreasing proportions of
HAV- and HBV-infected clients. In 2013, there were 12% (n = 8) HIV-, 20% (n =
12) HAV-, 20% (n = 12) HBV- and 52% HCV- (n = 34) positive clients. Vaccination
against HAV and HBV had become more frequent. Predictors of positive HCV status
included older age, female gender, earlier year of entry, having spent 1 month
or more in detention or prison, use of injected heroin and more years of
intravenous use.
CONCLUSION:
Our
results highlight the fact that efforts to prevent and test for infections and
to promote vaccination against HAV and HBV in heroin users need to be continued.
- 1Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction ISGF, Konradstrasse, Postfach, Zx00FC;rich, Switzerland.
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