Hepatitis C virus infection in intravenous drug users

Clin Microbiol Infect. 2004 Aug;10(8):768-70. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2004.00934.x.

Abstract

Intravenous drug use (IVDU) remains a major means of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. In this study, 101 drug users were studied prospectively after cessation of IVDU. Of these, 75.8% were anti-HCV positive, and 71.4% had elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase. These levels decreased significantly within 1 month of IVDU cessation (p 0.02). Liver biopsies showed minimal or mild fibrosis in 32 (71%) of 45 subjects, and severe fibrosis in two (4.4%) subjects. Anti-HCV-positive intravenous drug users in this study presented with mild liver disease and variable stages of disease progression. Biochemical disease activity might be affected by IVDU.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Hepacivirus / immunology
  • Hepacivirus / pathogenicity
  • Hepatitis C / pathology
  • Hepatitis C / physiopathology*
  • Hepatitis C / virology
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies / blood
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Male
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*

Substances

  • Hepatitis C Antibodies