Detection and treatment of HIV and hepatitis virus infections in Swiss correctional facilities.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to obtain an overview on diagnostic and therapeutic activities concerning hepatitis A, B, C virus and HIV in Swiss prisons.


METHODS
A standardized questionnaire was sent to 91 prisons in the German and Italian speaking parts in October 2004; 41 institutions (45%) answered the questionnaire.


RESULTS
In almost all prisons serological examinations were not done routinely, but were provided when demanded by inmates or recommended by the medical service. Vaccination against hepatitis A or B infection and initiation of antiviral therapy was possible in most institutions.


CONCLUSIONS
Most of the prisons investigated offered diagnostic and antiviral treatment for hepatitis virus and HIV infections. A reported problem was the discontinuation of ongoing treatments or vaccination cycles after discharge. In some cases deficient funding was an obstacle.
Gerlich
Miriam G
MG
Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, Konradstrasse 32, P.O. Box 8031, Zurich, Switzerland. miriam.gerlich@isgf.uzh.ch
Frick
Ulrich
U
Pirktl
Lynn
L
Uchtenhagen
Ambros
A
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011329:Prisoners / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013557:Switzerland
D000998:Antiviral Agents