Frequency of hepatitis B and C viruses, and HIV among drug addicts in the Eastern Anatolia, Turkey

8Citations
Citations of this article
34Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infections constitute serious healthcare problems worldwide. Objectives: There are a limited number of studies regarding the prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infections among the drug addicts in Turkey; hence, the current study aimed to determine the frequency of these infections among 235 drug addicts treated in a drug addiction treatment centre/Elazig, Turkey. Patients and Methods: HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and anti-HIV tests in 235 drug addicts were studied by ELISA technique. Urine samples obtained from drug addicts were analyzed for cannabis, opiate and cocaine metabolites. Results: All the 235 drug users were males, and their mean age was 30.69 ± 9.494 years; 112 (47.7%) of them were in the age group ranging 20 - 29 years (P < 0.05). Of 235 drug addicts, 113 (48.1%) and 115 (48.9%) were only cannabis and opiate users, respectively. In urine samples of seven (3%) drug addicts both cannabis and opiate metabolites were detected. Cocaine was detected in none of the urine samples. The frequencies of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV among drug addicts were 2.6%, 38.3%, and 9.4%, respectively. None of the drug addicts was positive for HIV. Anti-HCV was more prevalent in opiate users than in cannabis users: 15.7% vs. 1.8% (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The obtained results showed that HCV infection was an alarming problem among opiate users in the eastern part of Turkey. It is suggested to rapidly diagnose the infected persons; thus preventive measures and appropriate control may limit further transmission of these infections.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Karabulut, N., Bulut, Y., & Telo, S. (2015). Frequency of hepatitis B and C viruses, and HIV among drug addicts in the Eastern Anatolia, Turkey. Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology, 8(8). https://doi.org/10.5812/jjm.19698

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free