Hepatitis C among people who inject drugs in Tbilisi, Georgia: An urgent need for prevention and treatment

摘要: Abstract Background Drug use and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are both major public health issues in Georgia. However, the access to HCV prevention care is still very limited country. This study was conducted examine epidemic among people who inject drugs (PWID) Tbilisi assess treatment needs of this most-at-risk population. Methods Respondent-driven-sampling used obtain a sample PWID Tbilisi. Each participant interviewed face-to-face underwent an antibody-based rapid diagnostic test. If test positive, further evaluation performed, including direct detection by PCR, genotyping liver fibrosis assessment transient elastography. People needing urgent were defined as those currently infected had severe (liver stiffness above 10kPa). Prevalences calculated crude then weighted adjust for sampling method. Risk factors studied using generalized linear models. Results A total 216 recruited October 2012. The mean age 39.6 7.9% female. antibodies found 91.9% participants 82.0% chronic infection. Among chronically participants, genotype 3 predominant (66.9%) 10.4% viruses from two different genotypes. Severe 24.2% (only men) significantly associated with duration drug coinfection B. Conclusion Georgian exposed have high levels fibrosis. Hence, harm reduction services should be scaled-up Georgia programmes implemented straight away include active users. Other risk fibrosis, such B, specifically addressed