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Infection with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis viruses in Chinese drug addicts
T Baozhang1, Z Kaining, K Jinxing
1Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kumming Medical College, P.R. China.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) and hepatitis B virus markers (HBVM) infections are highly prevalent in Chinese drug addicts, particularly among intravenous drug users and those sharing needles. These infections, including HIV, appear interconnected and linked to drug abuse behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are significant global health concerns.
- Drug addiction, particularly intravenous drug abuse, is a major risk factor for HCV and HBV transmission.
- Co-infections with HIV, HCV, and HBV are common in vulnerable populations, potentially influencing disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of antibody against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) and hepatitis B virus markers (HBVM) in Chinese drug addicts.
- To investigate the association between these viral infections and drug abuse behaviors, including needle sharing and ethnicity.
- To explore potential interactions between HIV, HCV, and HBV infections in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted on 176 Chinese drug addicts, including 23 with AIDS.
- Serological testing was performed to detect anti-HCV and five hepatitis B virus markers (HBVM).
- Data on drug use methods (intravenous vs. oral), needle sharing practices, ethnicity, and AIDS status were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence rates were 35.8% for anti-HCV and 50.6% for HBVM (P < 0.01).
- Intravenous drug addicts (IVDA) and needle-sharing abusers showed significantly higher prevalence rates for both anti-HCV and HBVM compared to oral drug users and non-needle sharers.
- Drug abusers with AIDS had a higher prevalence of HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) than IVDA without AIDS.
Conclusions:
- HCV and HBV infections are highly prevalent among Chinese drug addicts, with significant associations to intravenous drug use and needle-sharing behaviors.
- Ethnic minority groups showed varying rates of anti-HCV infection, suggesting potential cultural or behavioral influences.
- The findings suggest that HIV, HCV, and HBV infections may promote each other and are closely linked to specific drug abuse practices and socio-cultural factors.
Abstract:
The prevalence of antibody against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) and five hepatitis B virus markers (HBVM) was measured in 176 Chinese drug addicts, of whom 23 were AIDS patients. Of 176 drug addicts, 147 were members of ethnic minorities while 29 were Han, the majority ethnic group. The total prevalence rates of anti-HCV and HBVM were 35.8% and 50.6% respectively, significantly different (P < 0.01). Anti-HCV and HBVM were together found in 22.7%. Similar prevalence rates were found among the different ethnic groups. Among the ethnic minorities, there was a significantly higher prevalence rate of anti-HCV in intravenous drug addicts (IVDA, 51.1%) than in oral drug addicts (20.3%). Furthermore, the prevalence of anti-HCV was significantly higher in needle-sharing abusers (60.4%) than in non-needle sharing ones (37.1%, P < 0.05). The prevalence of HBVM was also significantly higher in needle-sharing abusers (69.8%) than in non-needle sharing ones (34.3%). Prevalence of HBsAg was significantly higher in drug abusers with AIDS (47.8%) than in IVDA only (16.1%). The anti-HCV positive rates among ethnic minority people were: for the Yi people 69.2%, the Hui 55.6%, the Bai 53.9%, the Dai 26.8% and the Wa 23.1%. No obvious difference was identified for HBVM. The prevalence rates of HCV, HBV and HCV + HBV in IVDA showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the two regions. HIV, HCV and HBV infections may promote each other and be related to needle-sharing behaviour in drug abuse and to different subcultures and living habits.