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High prevalence of HCV in a cohort of injectors on methadone substitution treatment.

Author(s): Lee KC, Lim WW, Lee SS

Affiliation(s): Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong.

Publication date & source: 2008-04, J Clin Virol., 41(4):297-300. Epub 2008 Jan 10.

Publication type: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

BACKGROUND: In Hong Kong, methadone treatment is widely accessible. Injecting drug users (IDU) have a relatively low risk behavioural profile and low HIV prevalence (0.3%). The corresponding Hepatitis C (HCV) level, however, is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine the HCV prevalence in IDU in Hong Kong and to identify any associated factors. STUDY DESIGN: A community-based HCV prevalence study of IDU was conducted in methadone clinics. Demographics and drug use pattern were collected through a questionnaire survey and blood samples were obtained for HCV serological tests. RESULTS: Data of 567 IDU were analyzed. Most were male (84%) and ethnic Chinese (98%). The median age was 49 years and median injection duration 17 years. Two-thirds (62%) admitted ever sharing injecting equipments. Most (76%) reported having injection drug use in the preceding 3 months, and 44% abused midazolam/triazolam in addition to heroin. Prevalence of HCV antibodies was 85% (95% confidence interval 82.5-88.3%). Injection duration, recent injection, ever sharing injecting equipments and concomitant use of other drugs were independent factors associated with HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS: HCV prevalence is high in IDU despite a low HIV prevalence and widely available substitution treatment, which has probably slowed but not prevented the HCV epidemic in IDU in Hong Kong.

Page last updated: 2008-08-11

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