[Epidemiologic studies on HCV and HBV infections among intravenous drug users in the area with high HIV infection]

Abstract

To assess the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among intravenous drug users (i.v. DUs) in Ruili county, Yunnan where there was a high HIV infection rate in i.v. DUs, the serological examination indicated that there was also a high anti-HCV antibody positive rate in this group. Among those with anti-HIV antibody, 73 (92%) were anti-HCV antibody positive. There was a close relationship between HIV infection and HCV infection. It may suggest that both are related to i.v. drug using. Although there is a high HBV infection background in Yunnan Province, the prevalence of HBV infection in i.v. DUs (68%) and that in the controls (52%) still show a significant difference.