Seroprevalence of HCV infection in homeless Baltimore families.
Our objective was to investigate hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence in homeless caregivers and their children 2-18 years of age living in a family. During a 30-month period from October 2001 through April 2004 in Baltimore, 170 caregivers enrolled and 168 of these accepted testing for antibody to HCV (anti-HCV), as did all 336 children and adolescents enrolled. Main results. None of the children younger than 18 years old were HCV seropositive; in striking contrast, however, 32 (19%) caregivers were seropositive. Most (59%) were previously unaware of their HCV serostatus. History of ever injecting drugs was the strongest predictor of HCV seropositive status in the caregivers, reported by 14% overall, and by 71% of HCV positives. Conclusion. The homeless families were very receptive to our HCV seroprevalence study and are likely also to be receptive to shelter-based HCV prevention programs for young children and adolescents as well as for adults.
Schwarz
Kathleen B
KB
Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. kschwarz@jhmi.edu
Garrett
Beth
B
Alter
Miriam J
MJ
Thompson
Douglas
D
Strathdee
Steffanie A
SA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015142:Baltimore / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications