Hepatitis C virus infection in intravenous drug users: prevalence and risk factors.
We investigated the relation of drug use and sexual behaviour to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among 80 intravenous drug users (IVDU) attending a methadone treatment program in Rome. Antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) were found in 54/80 of IVDU (67.5%). Presence of anti-HCV was associated with duration of intravenous drug use and frequency of needle sharing (p less than 0.003 and p = 0.02, respectively, by chi-square for trend). No association was found between sexual behaviour and anti-HCV prevalence.
Girardi
E
E
USL RM/10 AIDS Unit, L. Spallanzani Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Rome, Italy.
Zaccarelli
M
M
Tossini
G
G
Puro
V
V
Narciso
P
P
Visco
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003932:Heroin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013997:Time Factors
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D003932:Heroin