[Prevalence of hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infection among female prison inmates in Japan].

Abstract

To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infection in female inmates, 504 out of 513 female inmates in a certain female prison in Japan were tested for anti-hepatitis C virus, anti-hepatitis B virus, anti-hepatitis A virus and anti-human immunodeficiency virus makers. They were also interviewed with regard to past history of blood transfusion, tattooing, acupuncture, intravenous drug abuse, and psychiatric disease. Prevalence of seropositives for anti-hepatitis C virus antibody was found to be significantly higher in prisoners who had a history of intravenous drug abuse (63%) compared to the controls (4.5%). There was no difference between the two groups in prevalence of seropositivity for anti-hepatitis B, anti-hepatitis A and anti-human immunodeficiency virus. Of all inmates who had a history of intravenous drug abuse, anti-hepatitis C positives used drugs longer and in greater quantities than anti-hepatitis C negatives. From these results it is concluded that intravenous drug abuse is a predominant risk factor for hepatitis C virus infection.

• Authors: K Nara, M Kawano, M Igarashi
• Journal: [Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health (Nihon Koshu Eisei Zasshi) Vol. 44 Issue 1 Pg. 55-60 (Jan 1997) ISSN: 0546-1766 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 9094854 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Female
• HIV Infections (epidemiology)
• Hepatitis C (epidemiology)
• Humans
• Japan (epidemiology)
• Prevalence
• Prisoners
• Substance Abuse, Intravenous