title: Multiple infections and associated risk factors among non-injecting cocaine users in Argentina.
abstract: The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV, core antibody), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis infections and analyze associated risk factors among 504 non-injecting cocaine users (NICU) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Participants were interviewed in face-to-face sessions through a short structured questionnaire. Using venipuncture, 10 mL of blood was collected. Seroprevalence rates were: HIV (6.3%), HBV (9%), HCV (7.5%), and VDRL (4.2%). The risk of being infected with HIV, HBV, and HCV was significantly associated with having had a sex partner who was either a drug injector or who was known to be HIV positive. HIV and HCV infections were associated with former imprisonment, and HCV was associated with having been tattooed. Because of the rising number of NICU and the multiple infections detected, it is essential to implement prevention strategies focused on this population.
authors.affiliation: Intercambios: Asociación Civil para el Estudio y Atención de Problemas Relacionados con las Drogas, Avenida Corrientes 2548, Buenos Aires, Argentina. drossi@intercambios.org.ar
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: Graciela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Radulich
authors.forename: Estela
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Muzzio
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Naveira
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sosa-Estani
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rey
authors.forename: Gloria
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Griemberg
authors.forename: Samuel R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: Liliana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Martínez-Peralta
authors.forename: Mercedes
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weissenbacher
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications; D013587:Syphilis / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D013653:Tattooing / Q000009:adverse effects