HCV and HIV infection and co-infection: injecting drug use and sexual behavior, AjUDE-Brasil I Project

Cad Saude Publica. 2006 Apr;22(4):839-48. doi: 10.1590/s0102-311x2006000400022. Epub 2006 Apr 5.

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize sexual and drug-use behaviors in injecting drug users (IDUs) in relation to single hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and HCV/HIV co-infection. The sample consisted of 272 IDUs enrolled in the AjUDE-Brasil I Project, a cross-sectional multi-center study conducted in five Brazilian cities in 1998. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire using self-reported risk behavior, and HCV and HIV serological status used ELISA on filter paper. IDUs were clustered in four distinct groups: HCV/HIV seronegative; HCV mono-infected; HIV mono-infected; and HCV/HIV co-infected. Active sharing of injecting equipment was associated with HCV infection (p = 0.001). Sexual behavior variables, especially male same-sex sexual relations, were consistently associated with HIV infection. HCV/HIV co-infection was associated with both sexual and drug use variables. It was possible to distinguish different behavioral indicators for HCV and HIV infection and co-infection in this population.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Comorbidity
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis C / transmission
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Needle-Exchange Programs / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prevalence
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / epidemiology