Multiple infections and Associated Risk factors among Non-Injecting Cocaine users in Argentina.

D. ROSSI; G. RADULICH; E. MUZZIO; J. NAVEIRA; S.SOSA ESTANI; J. REY; G.GRIEMBERG; S.FRIEDMAN; L. MARTINEZ PERALTA; M. WEISSENBACHER

CADERNOS DE SAúDE PúBLICA

Fiocruz

Lugar: Río de Janeiro, Brasil; Año: 2008 vol. 24 p. 965 - 974

0102-311X

The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV, core antibody), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis infections and analyze associated risk factors among 504 non-injecting cocaine users (NICU) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Participants were interviewed in face-to-face sessions through a short structured questionnaire. Using venipuncture, 10mL of blood was collected. Seroprevalence rates were:HIV (6.3%), HBV (9%), HCV (7.5%), and VDRL (4.2%). The risk of being infected with HIV, HBV, and HCV was significantly associated with having had a sex partner who was either a drug injector or who was known to be HIV positive. HIV and HCV infections were associated with former imprisonment, and HCV was associated with having been tattooed. Because of the rising number of NICU and the multiple infections detected, it is essential to implement prevention strategies focused on this population.