Prevalence of HCV infection and associated factors among illicit drug users in Breves, State of Pará, northern Brazil

Introduction: Illicit drug users (DUs) are vulnerable to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The shared use of illicit drugs is the main method of HCV transmission. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Breves, in northern Brazil. We surveyed 187 DUs to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with HCV infection. Results: The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 36.9%, and the prevalence of hepatitis C virus-ribonucleic acid (HCV-RNA) was 31%. Hepatitis C virus infection was associated with tattoos, intravenous drug use, shared use of equipment for drug use, drug use for longer than 3 years, and daily drug use. Conclusions: Strategies for preventing and controlling HCV transmission should be implemented among DUs.

引言：非法药物使用者（DUs）感染丙型肝炎病毒（HCV）的风险较高。共用非法药物相关器具是HCV传播的主要途径。
方法：本研究在巴西北部的布雷维斯地区开展一项横断面调查，共调研187名非法药物使用者，以明确HCV感染的流行率及其相关影响因素。
结果：抗HCV抗体阳性率为36.9%，丙型肝炎病毒核糖核酸（HCV-RNA）阳性率为31%。HCV感染与纹身、静脉注射吸毒、共用吸毒器具、吸毒时长超过3年以及每日吸毒均存在相关性。
结论：应在非法药物使用者群体中落实HCV传播的防控策略。