Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus, HIV and human T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma viruses in injecting drug users in Tayside, Scotland, 1993-7

The prevalence of blood-borne viruses in injecting drug users (IDUs) in Tay side, Scotland was determined by testing serum samples from IDUs who underw ent attributable HIV antibody testing during 1993-7. The prevalence of anti bodies to HIV was 29/802, (3.6 %); to hepatitis C virus (HCV) 451/691, (65. 3%); and to human T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma viruses type 1 and 2 (HTLV) 0/6 79, (0.0%). The prevalence of HIV and HCV antibodies were higher in subject s over the age of 25 (P = 0.03 and P = 0.001, respectively). During 1993-7 the prevalence of HCV fell only in younger female IDUs (P < 0.01). HIV prev alence has declined dramatically since 1985, when a rate of 40 % was record ed in similar populations. Harm reduction measures have failed to control H CV the spread of infection among IDUs in Tayside, as indicated by the high proportion of antibody positive IDUs, particularly males under the age of 2 5. Future studies should address the nature and effective reduction of cont inuing risk taking among IDUs in Tayside.