HBV AND HIV SCREENING, AND HEPATITIS-B IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM IN THE PRISON OF MARSEILLES, FRANCE

This study estimated the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hum an immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serological markers among inmates and evaluated inmates' compliance with an HBV immunization programme. Duri ng the mandatory consultation at the sexually transmitted disease (STD ) clinic of the Marseille Prison (HIV counselling, and syphilis/HIV sc reening), physicians offered serological testing (anti-HBs, anti-HBc, HbsAg, anti-HIV) and Engerix B(R) vaccination to each entrant. The num ber participating in the survey is 391/411 (89%); 75% were aged 18 to 35 years and 79% were men; 42% reported having had multiple sexual par tners during the last 12 months. Report of an intravenous drug user (I DU) sexual partner was more frequent among women than men (22% cs 8%). Injecting drug use over lifetime was reported by 23%; 27% declared ha ving shared their injection equipment during the last 12 months. 124/2 67 (32%) had an HBV marker: anti-HBs + only (immunized): 2.3%; anti-HB s + and anti-HBc +: 21.7%; anti-HBc + only: 6.4%; HBsAg +: 1.3%. The H IV seroprevalence was 6% (21% among IDUs). This survey underlines the high HBV and HIV seroprevalence among prisoners and the high proportio n of inmates at risk for these infections. There is an urgent need for immunization and education programmes in this population. It demonstr ates an HBV immunization programme is feasible and accepted by inmates and staff members.