[Infection by HIV and the hepatitis B, C, and D viruses in intravenous drug addicts. Seroprevalence at 1 year and its follow-up].
BACKGROUND
The aim of the present article was to study the serology of intravenous drug user patients against the hepatitis B, C, D, and HIV, during 1990 and the follow-up during the same year, and 1991.


METHODS
A study of 265 patients (mean age: 25 years, range: 16-45; 206 males and 59 females) was carried out. Forty-two percent came because of detoxication treatment, 30% requested diagnosis for hepatic disturbances and the only data provided in 28% were that they were intravenous drug users. None of the patients was an inmate from prisons.


RESULTS
Seroprevalences were 67.5% for the HBV, 75.6% for HCV, 17% for HDV and 50.2% for HIV. In the patients seronegative for HBV (65%) and HIV (58%) no new serologic controls were performed during the study period, while in those who underwent controls the rates of seroconversion were 43.3% and 32%, respectively. In 30% of all seroconversions to HBV coinfection with HDV was found and in 23% antibodies against HIV were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to the high rates of infection obtained, the authors believe that serologic follow up of intravenous drug users is advisable.
Delgado-Iribarren
A
A
Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Severo Ochoa, Leganés, Madrid.
Wilhelmi
I
I
Padilla
B
B
Cañedo
T
T
Gómez
J
J
Elviro
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D015528:HIV Seroprevalence; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D003698:Hepatitis Delta Virus / Q000276:immunology; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology*
D015483:HIV Antibodies; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies