Antibody prevalence of parenterally transmitted viruses (HIV-1, HTLV-I, HBV, HCV) in Austrian intravenous drug users

Abstract

From 1985 to 1990 the sera of 372 newly imprisoned intravenous drug users (IDU) were tested for HIV-1 antibodies. The seroprevalence was 18%, males 16% and females 31%. HIV-1 seroprevalence in Austrian IDU has not increased since 1986. All sera tested for HTLV-I-antibodies were negative. The majority of the HIV-1 seropositive drug users had been infected before 1985. The reported frequency of needle sharing has decreased since 1986. Of 151 IDU tested for HCV antibodies 75% were positive for anti-HCV, 68% were positive for hepatitis B markers, 59% were positive for both HBV and HCV markers, and 13% were positive for HIV-1 antibodies.

In conclusion: in Austrian IDU HCV seems to be the most frequent parenterally transmitted virus; HIV-1 seroprevalence has not increased since 1986; HLTV-I infection has not yet begun.