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Risk factors and seroprevalence of markers for hepatitis A, B and C in persons subject to homelessness in inner Sydney.

AbstractOBJECTIVE:
To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A, B and C and the prevalence of risk factors for blood-borne infections in persons subject to homelessness attending a medical clinic in inner Sydney.
METHOD:
During 2003-05, 201 clients were enrolled in a prospective study to determine the acceptance, completion rates and immunogenicity of the standard vaccination schedule for hepatitis A and B. On enrolment, clients completed a risk factor assessment questionnaire and undertook pre-vaccination serological screening for hepatitis A, B and C.
RESULTS:
Forty-five per cent (85/188) of clients were positive for anti-HCV antibodies; 32% (60/189) showed evidence of past infection with HBV (anti-HBc); and 48% (89/189) were positive for anti-HAV antibodies. It was not uncommon for clients to have multiple markers of hepatitis. A past history of injecting drug use was significantly associated with markers for hepatitis B and C; age predicted presence of anti-HAV. A verbal history of infection appeared more reliable for hepatitis C, but considerably less so for hepatitis A and B.
CONCLUSION:
Persons subject to homelessness are at risk of blood-borne infection. The seroprevalence of markers for hepatitis B and C are higher than in the general population.
IMPLICATIONS:
Despite the high proportion of clients with serological markers for hepatitis A and B, at least 69% of clients could potentially benefit from hepatitis A and/or B vaccination.
AuthorsRoslyn Poulos, Mark Ferson, Karen Orr, Adrienne Lucy, Susan Botham, Michele McCarthy, Jerome Stern, Julie Dixon, Carolyn Murray, Suzanne Polis
JournalAustralian and New Zealand journal of public health (Aust N Z J Public Health) Vol. 31 Issue 3 Pg. 247-51 (Jun 2007) ISSN: 1326-0200 [Print] Australia
PMID17679243 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
Chemical References
  • Hepatitis Antibodies
Topics
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Hepatitis (epidemiology, immunology)
  • Hepatitis Antibodies (analysis)
  • Ill-Housed Persons
  • Humans
  • New South Wales (epidemiology)
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

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