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. 2013;19(2):68-73.
doi: 10.1159/000339840. Epub 2012 Sep 19.

Hepatitis C virus infection and related risk factors among injection drug users in Montenegro

Valerio Baćak  1 , Dragan Laušević, Boban Mugoša, Zoran Vratnica, Nataša Terzić
Affiliations

Hepatitis C virus infection and related risk factors among injection drug users in Montenegro

Valerio Baćak et al. Eur Addict Res. 2013.

Abstract

Background: In Southeastern Europe, similar to other postsocialist regions on the continent, injection drug users (IDU) are exposed to a high risk of blood-borne infections. In this paper, we report the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) among IDUs in Montenegro. We also examine the risk factors associated with HCV diagnosis.

Methods: In 2008, 322 IDUs in Montenegro participated in a respondent-driven sampling survey. Blood specimens were collected and tested for HIV, HCV and HBV. Behavioral data were collected with self-administered questionnaires.

Results: In comparison to 2005, HCV prevalence had increased from an estimated 22 to 53.7%. Only one HIV and no HBV cases were detected. Anti-HCV positivity was associated with the region of origin, income, sharing injection equipment and frequency of injecting drugs.

Conclusion: The increasing HCV prevalence among IDUs in Montenegro calls for increased and better designed programs to prevent its further spread and a potential HIV outbreak.

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