PL9 * EMERGING EPIDEMIC OF HEPATITIS C INFECTION IN YOUNG INJECTORS

Abstract

Substance abuse and co-occurring infections of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and associated morbidity and mortality are among the most significant health problems that world faces today. An estimated 153-300 million people abuse illegal drugs regularly worldwide and globally around 16 million people inject drugs. In addition, an estimated 170-200 million people are living with viral hepatitis C infection. Injection drug use is a major vector in acquisition and transmission of HCV infection. Up to 60% IDUs may be infected with HCV infection, while up to 90% of IDUs infected with HIV are also co-infected with HCV infection. Among IDUs worldwide, the incidence and prevalence of HCV infection is 50-90% and 10-30%/year, respectively. HCV infection is a serious blood-borne infection that causes liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and death. If untreated, up to 10% of HCV infected people may die from liver cancer each year. In 2007, more people died from HCV-associated complications than from those of HIV/AIDS. In an emerging epidemic, recent reports in the US have reported increases in HCV infection among young, 18-25 year old, non-urban IDUs in most US states. Increases in incident HCV infections among young injectors who've recently transitioned from oral opioid abuse present an important public health challenge requiring a comprehensive, community-based response. This plenary lecture will discuss various aspects of substance abuse, HCV infection in young adults that have transitioned from oral prescription drug use to injecting drugs and leading to acquisition and transmission of HCV infection causing morbidity and mortality. It will also present the most current medical interventions for HCV infection and new research being.