Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among injecting drug users (IDUs) is a major public health concern. It is important to know the current burden of HCV infection among IDUs for targeted public health interventions in this high risk population. We systematically reviewed the published literature on prevalence of HCV infections among IDUs between January 1989 and April 2014. Sixty studies met the inclusion criteria for the review and subsequent analysis. Among the selected studies 26,311 IDUs were assessed for HCV infection of which 16,231 were positive, giving an overall prevalence of 61.7% (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] 61.1-62.3%). Of the selected studies, 21 were from Asia, 20 from Europe, 13 from Americas, 5 from Australia and one from Africa. Combined regional estimates of HCV prevalence among IDUs showed that Africa has the highest mean prevalence of HCV among IDUs (97.3%, 95% CI 95.5-98.4%), however, this estimate was based only on one study from Mauritius. Europe has the second highest mean prevalence (65.9%, 95% CI 64.9-66.9%) followed by Australia (56.5%, 95% CI 53.8-59.2%). Our review suggests that the prevalence of HCV among IDUs is significantly high. There are very limited data from African nations. More comprehensive understanding of HCV epidemiology among IDUs including the risk behaviours are needed for this high risk group.
Keywords: Hepatitis C virus, intravenous drug user, prevalence study, risk behaviour, targeted public health intervention.
Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets
Title:Current Burden of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Injecting Drug Users: A Mini Systematic Review of Prevalence Studies
Volume: 14 Issue: 2
Author(s): Shafquat Mohammed Rafiq, Gouri Rani Banik, Sabina Khan, Harunor Rashid and Gulam Khandaker
Affiliation:
Keywords: Hepatitis C virus, intravenous drug user, prevalence study, risk behaviour, targeted public health intervention.
Abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among injecting drug users (IDUs) is a major public health concern. It is important to know the current burden of HCV infection among IDUs for targeted public health interventions in this high risk population. We systematically reviewed the published literature on prevalence of HCV infections among IDUs between January 1989 and April 2014. Sixty studies met the inclusion criteria for the review and subsequent analysis. Among the selected studies 26,311 IDUs were assessed for HCV infection of which 16,231 were positive, giving an overall prevalence of 61.7% (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] 61.1-62.3%). Of the selected studies, 21 were from Asia, 20 from Europe, 13 from Americas, 5 from Australia and one from Africa. Combined regional estimates of HCV prevalence among IDUs showed that Africa has the highest mean prevalence of HCV among IDUs (97.3%, 95% CI 95.5-98.4%), however, this estimate was based only on one study from Mauritius. Europe has the second highest mean prevalence (65.9%, 95% CI 64.9-66.9%) followed by Australia (56.5%, 95% CI 53.8-59.2%). Our review suggests that the prevalence of HCV among IDUs is significantly high. There are very limited data from African nations. More comprehensive understanding of HCV epidemiology among IDUs including the risk behaviours are needed for this high risk group.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Rafiq Shafquat Mohammed, Banik Gouri Rani, Khan Sabina, Rashid Harunor and Khandaker Gulam, Current Burden of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Injecting Drug Users: A Mini Systematic Review of Prevalence Studies, Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets 2014; 14 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871526514666141014145612
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871526514666141014145612 |
Print ISSN 1871-5265 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 2212-3989 |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Adolescent Cannabis Use: What is the Evidence for Functional Brain Alteration?
Current Pharmaceutical Design Effects of MDMA on Extracellular Dopamine and Serotonin Levels in Mice Lacking Dopamine and/or Serotonin Transporters
Current Neuropharmacology Current and Future of Alzheimer's Therapy with the Best Approach
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Von Willebrand Factor: Drug and Drug Target
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets Gender Differences in Pharmacokinetics and Side Effects of Second Generation Antipsychotic Drugs
Current Neuropharmacology Formulation and Optimization of Ethosomes for Transdermal Delivery of Ropinirole Hydrochloride
Current Drug Delivery Binding of the PET Radiotracer [<sup>18</sup>F]BF227 Does not Reflect the Presence of Alpha-Synuclein Aggregates in Transgenic Mice
Current Alzheimer Research Sodium Hydrosulfide Attenuates Beta-Amyloid-Induced Cognitive Deficits and Neuroinflammation via Modulation of MAPK/NF-κB Pathway in Rats
Current Alzheimer Research The Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation on the Expanded Disability Status Scale and Inflammatory Cytokines in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Mechanism of Organophosphates (Nerve Gases and Pesticides) and Antidotes: Electron Transfer and Oxidative Stress
Current Medicinal Chemistry Effect of Short-term Quercetin, Caloric Restriction and Combined Treatment on Age-related Oxidative Stress Markers in the Rat Cerebral Cortex
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Pathological Retinal Angiogenesis
Current Nutrition & Food Science NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Leading to IL-1 – IL-17 Dependent Lung Inflammation and Fibrosis
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews The Renin-Angiotensin System and Advanced Glycation End-Products in Diabetic Retinopathy: Impacts and Synergies.
Current Clinical Pharmacology Artificial Light Pollution at Night: A Risk for Normal Circadian Rhythm and Physiological Functions in Humans
Current Environmental Engineering NMR Metabolomics Analysis of Parkinson's Disease
Current Metabolomics The Role of T and B Cells in Atherosclerosis: Potential Clinical Implications
Current Pharmaceutical Design Features and Factors Associated with Drinking Problems or Illegal Drugs Use: A Cross Sectional Cohort Study with Patients of a Psychosocial Care Service
Applied Clinical Research, Clinical Trials and Regulatory Affairs Mechlorethamine based Drug Structures for Intervention of Central Nervous System Tumors
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry From the Prodrome to Chronic Schizophrenia: The Neurobiology Underlying Psychotic Symptoms and Cognitive Impairments
Current Pharmaceutical Design