Risk factors and seroprevalence of markers for hepatitis A, B and C in persons subject to homelessness in inner Sydney.
Aust N Z J Public Health
; 31(3): 247-51, 2007 Jun.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-17679243
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A, B and C and the prevalence of risk factors for blood-borne infections in persons subject to homelessness attending a medical clinic in inner Sydney.METHOD:
During 2003-05, 201 clients were enrolled in a prospective study to determine the acceptance, completion rates and immunogenicity of the standard vaccination schedule for hepatitis A and B. On enrolment, clients completed a risk factor assessment questionnaire and undertook pre-vaccination serological screening for hepatitis A, B and C.RESULTS:
Forty-five per cent (85/188) of clients were positive for anti-HCV antibodies; 32% (60/189) showed evidence of past infection with HBV (anti-HBc); and 48% (89/189) were positive for anti-HAV antibodies. It was not uncommon for clients to have multiple markers of hepatitis. A past history of injecting drug use was significantly associated with markers for hepatitis B and C; age predicted presence of anti-HAV. A verbal history of infection appeared more reliable for hepatitis C, but considerably less so for hepatitis A and B.CONCLUSION:
Persons subject to homelessness are at risk of blood-borne infection. The seroprevalence of markers for hepatitis B and C are higher than in the general population. IMPLICATIONS Despite the high proportion of clients with serological markers for hepatitis A and B, at least 69% of clients could potentially benefit from hepatitis A and/or B vaccination.
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Pessoas Mal Alojadas
/
Hepatite
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2007
Tipo de documento:
Article