Characterizing the Burden of Hepatitis C Infection among Entrants to Pennsylvania State Prisons, 2004 to 2012

Although hepatitis C (HCV) infection is common among prisoners, relatively few undergo evaluation for treatment. 

This study reports the prevalence of chronic infection and the genotype distribution among an incarcerated population. HCV antibody testing was provided to adults entering Pennsylvania prisons; confirmatory and genotype testing were offered to those eligible for treatment. 

• Antibody prevalence among 101,727 individuals was 18.1%. 
• Among 7,633 individuals who underwent confirmatory testing, 69.3% had detectable RNA. 
• Among 3,247 individuals who underwent genotype testing, genotype 1 was the most common (76.6%). 

The rate of chronic infection after HCV exposure is similar to that reported in the community, as is genotype distribution. Correctional facilities provide access to a population with a high disease burden, creating a public health opportunity for evaluation and treatment.

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By:   Mahowald MK1, Larney S2, Zaller ND3, Scharff N4, Taylor LE5, Beckwith CG5, Noska A6, Rich JD5, Flanigan TP5.

• 1University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA mmahowal@med.umich.edu.
• 2National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
• 3Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
• 4Bureau of Healthcare Services, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Mechanicsburg, PA, USA.
• 5The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.
• 6The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Lifespan Hospitals, Providence, RI, USA. 

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