Prevalence of HCV infection and associated factors among illicit drug users in Breves, State of Pará, northern Brazil

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2014 May-Jun;47(3):367-70. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0153-2013. Epub 2014 Apr 11.

Abstract

Introduction: Illicit drug users (DUs) are vulnerable to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The shared use of illicit drugs is the main method of HCV transmission.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Breves, in northern Brazil. We surveyed 187 DUs to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with HCV infection.

Results: The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 36.9%, and the prevalence of hepatitis C virus-ribonucleic acid (HCV-RNA) was 31%. Hepatitis C virus infection was associated with tattoos, intravenous drug use, shared use of equipment for drug use, drug use for longer than 3 years, and daily drug use.

Conclusions: Strategies for preventing and controlling HCV transmission should be implemented among DUs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Hepacivirus / genetics
  • Hepacivirus / immunology
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis C / etiology*
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies / blood
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Risk Factors
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / epidemiology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hepatitis C Antibodies
  • Illicit Drugs
  • RNA, Viral