Changing seroepidemiology of hepatitis B, C, and D virus infections in high‐risk populations

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Needle‐sharing and sexual contact are important transmission routes of hepatitis B, C, and D virus (HBV, HCV, HDV) infection. This study aimed to investigate the current status of these viral infections among high‐risk populations including prostitutes and intravenous (i.v.) drug users, compared with the prevalence rate reported previously to examine the changing seroepidemiology. Of the 916 female prostitutes, 79 (9%) were positive for antibody to HCV (anti‐HCV), 111 (12%) were positive for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), and 5 (5%) had antibody to HDV (anti‐HDV). The prevalence rate was significantly lower compared to that in 1989–1991 (12%, P = 0.037) for HCV infection, and to that in 1988 (59%) and 1996 (40%) (P < 0.0001) for HDV infection. Of the 494 i.v. drug users, 87 (18%) patients were HBsAg carriers and 12 (14%) were anti‐HDV‐positive. The prevalence rate of HDV infection was significantly lower than that reported in 1985 (79%, P < 0.0001). Among the 443 tested i.v. drug users, 182 (41%) were anti‐HCV‐positive, significantly lower than that in 1985 (53%, P = 0.026). Of the 263 male prostitutes, 11 (4%) were anti‐HCV‐positive, 45 (17%) were HBsAg‐positive, and 7 (16%) were anti‐HDV‐positive. Of the 129 illegal immigrant prostitutes, 7 (5%) were anti‐HCV‐positive, 15 (12%) were HBsAg‐positive and none were positive for anti‐HDV. In conclusion, the findings indicate a declining prevalence of HCV and HDV infections among drug users and prostitutes over the past 16 years. Male prostitutes and immigrant prostitutes are new “high‐risk” populations and may become a reservoir for disease transmission. J. Med. Virol. 72:41–45, 2004.