BMC Infectious Diseases (Aug 2007)

Socio-demographic determinants of coinfections by HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses in central Italian prisoners

  • De Vito Elisabetta,
  • Gasbarrini Giovanni,
  • Reali Manuela,
  • Mannocci Alice,
  • Chiaradia Giacomina,
  • Miele Luca,
  • La Torre Giuseppe,
  • Grieco Antonio,
  • Ricciardi Walter

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2334-7-100
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1
p. 100

Abstract

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Abstract Background The coinfections HIV/HCV/HBV are an important health issue in penitentiary communities. The aim of the study was to examine HIV, HBV and HCV coinfections determinants amongst prisoners in the jails of Southern Lazio (Central Italy), in the period 1995–2000. Methods Diagnosis of seropositivities for HIV, HBV and HCV was made using ELISA method. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to verify the influence of socio-demographic factors on the HIV/HBV/HCV coinfections. Results HIV/HCV, HBV/HCV and HIV/HBV coinfections were detected in 42 (4%), 203 (17.9%) and 31 (2.9%) inmates, respectively. These coinfections are significantly associated with the status of drug addiction (OR = 16.02; p = 0.012; OR = 4.15; p Conclusion The prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV seropositivity in jails suggests that information and education programs for inmates could be useful to reduce the spread of such infections.