Incidence and correlates of hepatitis C virus infection in a large cohort of prisoners who have injected drugs

摘要: Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common among prisoners, particularly those with a history of injecting drug use (IDU). Incarcerated people who inject drugs frequently report high-risk practices both in prison and the community. In spite rising morbidity mortality, utilisation HCV-related services Australia has been persistently low. This study aimed to describe incidence, prevalence correlates HCV seropositivity large cohort prisoners have injected drugs, identify receiving confirmation active infection. Methods: Data-linkage State-wide statutory notifiable diseases surveillance system was used investigate incidence notified seropositivity, seroconversion confirmed 735 IDU, over 14 years follow up. test results from medical records were testing positive prison. Results: The crude notification 5.1 cases per 100 person-years. By end up, 55.1% had subject notification, 47.4% tested seropositive. multivariable analyses, strongly associated as opioid compared injection other drugs. rate reported diagnostic infections very low, at 6.6 confirmations seropositive participants year. Conclusions: Injecting highlighting need for increased provision mitigate risk transmission within prisons. Once identified through screening, IDU incarceration may not be promptly services, which are necessary if they access treatment. Improving will particular importance coming years, mortality increasing, next generation therapies becoming more widely available.