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Risk factors and seroprevalence of markers for hepatitis A, B and C in persons subject to homelessness in inner Sydney

2007; Elsevier BV; Volume: 31; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/j.1467-842x.2007.00056.x

1753-6405

Roslyn G. Poulos, Mark J Ferson, Karen Orr, Adrienne Lucy, Susan J. Botham, Michele McCarthy, Jerome Stern, Julie Dixon, Carolyn Murray, Suzanne Polis,

Hepatitis C virus research

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.