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


OBJECTIVE
To determine the HCV prevalence in IDU in Hong Kong and to identify any associated factors.


METHODS
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.
Lee
Krystal C K
KC
Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong.
Lim
Wilina W L
WW
Lee
Shui Shan
SS
D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016485:Needle Sharing; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D008691:Methadone