Hepatitis in drug dependents

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Viral liver diseases, including hepatitis B, are a significant concern in various populations.
• Drug dependents, particularly those using intravenous drugs, are at high risk for infectious diseases.
• Understanding the prevalence and impact of hepatitis B and other viral hepatitis in this demographic is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey the prevalence of viral liver disease among drug dependents attending the WAADA.
• To assess the serological markers of hepatitis B infection and the degree of liver dysfunction in this population.
• To investigate the potential for drug dependents to act as a reservoir for hepatitis B and non-A non-B hepatitis.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 130 drug dependents was conducted between August and November 1977.
• Serological tests were used to detect hepatitis B infection markers (HBsAg, Anti-HBs).
• Liver function was assessed in HBsAg-negative patients, and liver biopsies were performed on 20 individuals.

Main Results:

• 58% of drug dependents showed serological evidence of hepatitis B infection.
• 50-65% of HBsAg-negative patients exhibited some degree of liver dysfunction, potentially due to non-A non-B hepatitis.
• 80% of patients with liver biopsies had chronic hepatitis, with 45% diagnosed with chronic aggressive hepatitis.

Conclusions:

• Intravenous drug use is strongly associated with high rates of hepatitis B and other viral liver diseases.
• Drug dependents represent a significant reservoir for hepatitis B and non-A non-B hepatitis, posing a risk to the general population.
• The high carriage rate of hepatitis B in this group (80 times that of the general population) underscores the need for targeted interventions.