Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infections constitute
serious healthcare problems worldwide.
There are a limited number of studies regarding the
prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infections among the drug
addicts in Turkey; hence, the current study aimed to determine the frequency of
these infections among 235 drug addicts treated in a drug addiction treatment
centre/Elazig, Turkey.
HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and anti-HIV tests in 235 drug
addicts were studied by ELISA technique. Urine samples obtained from drug
addicts were analyzed for cannabis, opiate and cocaine metabolites.
All the 235 drug users were males, and their mean age was
30.69 ± 9.494 years; 112 (47.7%) of them were in the age group ranging 20 - 29
years (P < 0.05). Of 235 drug addicts, 113 (48.1%) and 115 (48.9%) were only
cannabis and opiate users, respectively. In urine samples of seven (3%) drug
addicts both cannabis and opiate metabolites were detected. Cocaine was
detected in none of the urine samples. The frequencies of HBsAg, anti-HBs and
anti-HCV among drug addicts were 2.6%, 38.3%, and 9.4%, respectively. None of
the drug addicts was positive for HIV. Anti-HCV was more prevalent in opiate
users than in cannabis users: 15.7% vs. 1.8% (P < 0.001).
The obtained results showed that HCV infection was an
alarming problem among opiate users in the eastern part of Turkey. It is
suggested to rapidly diagnose the infected persons; thus preventive measures and appropriate
control may limit further transmission of these infections.
Table 1.
Distribution of HBV, HCV Markers, Cannabis and Opiate Users Regarding the Age a
| Characteristics | No Tested | HBsAg Positive | Anti-HBs Positive | Anti-HCV Positive | Cannabis Positive | Opiate Positive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 235 | 6 (2.6) | 90 (38.3 ) | 22 (9.4) | 113 (48.1) | 115 (48.9) |
| Age, y | ||||||
| < 20 | 14 (6) | 0 | 10 (11.1 ) | 0 | 4 (3.5) | 10 (8.7) |
| 20 - 29 | 112 (47.7) | 2 (33.3) | 35 (38.9 ) | 5 (22.7) | 70 (61.9) | 42 (36.5) |
| 30 - 39 | 68 (28.9) | 2 (33.3 ) | 25 (27.8 ) | 7 (31.8) | 27 (23.9) | 38 (33) |
| 40 - 49 | 26 (11.1) | 1 (16.7 ) | 13 (14.4 ) | 5 (22.7) | 7 (6.2) | 17 (14.8) |
| 50 - 59 | 15 (6.4) | 1 (16.7 ) | 7 (7.8 ) | 5 (22.7) | 5 (4.4) | 8 (7) |
a Data are presented as No (%).
Table 2.
Frequency of HBV and HCV Markers in Cannabis and Opiate Users a
| HBV and HCV Markers | Cannabis Users, n= 113 | Opiate Users, n= 115 | P Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBsAg | |||
| Negative | 109 (96.5) | 113 (98.3) | |
| Positive | 4 (3.5) | 2 (1.7) | > 0.05 |
| Anti-HBs | |||
| Negative | 68 (60.2) | 74 (64.3) | |
| Positive | 45 (39.8) | 41 (35.7) | > 0.05 |
| Anti-HCV | |||
| Negative | 111 (98.2) | 97 (84.3) | |
| Positive | 2 (1.8) | 18 (15.7) | < 0.001 |
a Data are presented as No (%).
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