VIRAL-INFECTIONS IN SHORT-TERM INJECTION-DRUG USERS - THE PREVALENCE OF THE HEPATITIS-C, HEPATITIS-B, HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY, AND HUMAN T-LYMPHOTROPIC VIRUSES

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence a nd correlates of four blood-borne viral infections among illicit drug injectors with up to 6 years of injecting experience. Methods. We anal yzed data from 716 volunteers recruited in 1988 and 1989. Test results for hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodef iciency virus, type 1 (HIV), and human T-lymphotropic virus types I an d II (HTLV) were examined across six sequential cohorts defined by dur ation of drug injection. Results. Overall, seroprevalence of HCV, HBV, HIV, and HTLV was 76.9%, 65.7%, 20.5% and 1.8%, respectively, and 64. 7%, 49.8%, 13.9%, and 0.5%, respectively, among those who had injected for 1 year or less; Among the newest initiates, HCV and HBV were asso ciated with injecting variables, and HIV was associated with sexual va riables. Conclusions. The high rates of HCV, HBV, and HIV infections a mong short-term injectors emphasizes the need to target both parentera l and sexual risk reduction interventions early. Renewed efforts at pr imary prevention of substance abuse are indicated.