OBJECTIVES Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a health problem among injection drug users (IDUs) in prison. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of factors of incarceration with HBV infection in prisoners with history of drug injection in Isfahan, Iran. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, all IDUs inmates were enrolled. Sociodemographic characteristics and associated risk factors were...

Aspergillus endocarditis is a rare event; a very few cases have been reported in injection drug users (IDUs) and patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We report 2 proven cases and 1 highly suggestive case of Aspergillus endocarditis in IDUs, 2 of whom were infected with HIV, and discuss some related clinical and pathogenic aspects.

PURPOSE To assess the prevalence and associated factors of unprotected anal intercourse among Iranian male heterosexual Intra-Venous Drug Users (IDUs). METHODS In a cross-sectional study 360 male heterosexual IDUs were sampled from streets of eight different geographical parts of Iran. Variables such as socio-demographics, HIV knowledge (10 items), and HIV attitude (16 items) were entered to ...

OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and co-infections among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Tehran. METHODS A sample of 899 IDUs (861 male and 38 female) was recruited in Tehran from treatment and harm reduction facilities and from drug user hangouts in public areas in equal proportions. ELISA testing for HIV, HCV antibody ...

The Yunnan province is the epicenter of HIV-1 epidemics in China and a center for drug trafficking to the other parts of the world. In six prefectures of this province, a total of 132 IDUs were recruited to determine the sero-prevalence of HCV and HIV-1 and the positive rates were 93.94% and 68.18%, respectively (P<0.001). Co-infection with HCV and HIV-1 was found among 89 IDUs, of whom several...

We describe the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among noninjection users of heroin in Italy and compare the prevalence of HCV infection among noninjection drug users (NIDUs) and injection drug users (IDUs). Multiple logistic regression analysis of data from NIDUs showed that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status was the only independent predictor of HCV seroprevalence. Among ...

OBJECTIVE To estimate HIV prevalence among injecting drug users (IDUs) in a drug trafficking city in southwest Sichuan Province, China. METHODS A total of 314 IDUs was invited to participate in the cross-sectional survey in 2004 through community outreach recruitment and peer referrals. Blood sample was taken for HIV antibody testing and a structured questionnaire was administered to collect ...

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infection and associated risk behaviors among injection drug users (IDUs) in two northern Mexican cities. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between February and April 2005, IDUs were recruited in Tijuana (N=222) and Ciudad Juarez (N=206) using respondent-driven sampling (RDS), a chain referral sampling approach. Interviewer-admini...

BACKGROUND Egypt has low HIV prevalence (below 0∙02%) among the general population, mostly attributed to the conservative culture. The 2010 second round biological/behavioral surveillance survey (Bio-BSS) conducted in some governorates revealed concentrated epidemic among male injecting drug users (IDUs). METHODS The current study aimed at exploring the perspective of IDUs regarding the HIV p...

BACKGROUND: Misuse of prescription-type opioids and related adverse health effects are increasing, but little is known about the role of these drugs as a precursor to heroin use. We conducted an exploratory study to determine the proportion of young heroin injectors reporting problematic use of prescription-type opioids prior to using heroin, and to describe the factors associated with prior pr...