Hepatitis C seroconversion in methadone maintenance treatment programs in Wuhan, China

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• China is expanding methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) to reduce infectious disease transmission.
• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant health challenge within this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of HCV infection at MMT entry.
• To assess HCV seroconversion rates after MMT admission.
• To identify risk factors for HCV seroconversion during MMT in Wuhan, China.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey of 12,755 individuals entering MMT.
• Prospective follow-up of 1,200 HCV-seronegative participants.
• HCV serological testing and assessment of risk behaviors, including urine toxicology.

Main Results:

• HCV seroprevalence at MMT entry was 72.1%.
• A high seroconversion rate of 46.3% was observed during MMT.
• Injection drug use and positive urine toxicology tests were significant predictors of HCV seroconversion.

Conclusions:

• MMT patients in Wuhan exhibit high HCV prevalence and seroconversion rates.
• Continuing injection drug use is a primary risk factor for HCV acquisition during MMT.
• Interventions targeting injection behaviors are crucial for preventing HCV transmission in MMT programs.