Objectives: To determine the risk factors and selective screening criteria for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among STD clinic clients and the utilization of follow-up medical care for those infected with HCV. Methods: During two periods (Aug-Sep 1998) and (Sep-Nov 1999) all clients attending the STD clinic in San Diego, CA were offered HCV testing (EIA 3.0, RIBA 2.0, both positive=confirmed infection). HCV infected clients were interviewed and offered follow-up assistance at 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: Of the 1823 clients tested, 79 (4.3%) were HCV infected (RIBA pending on 33 clients). Among clients reporting injecting drug use (IDU), 47.3% (44/93) were HCV infected and infection was greater in those > 30 years of age (58% vs. 14%, p<0.001). Among non-IDU clients, 1.7% (28/1651) were HCV infected and only clients > 30 years of age had an increased risk of HCV infection (2.6% vs. 0.7%, p<0.01). Among the 39 HCV infected clients interviewed to date, 28 (72%) learned of their HCV infection from the current HCV test. Additional seroprevalence and case follow-up data through Aug 2000 will be presented. Conclusion: Injection drug use is the predominant risk factor for HCV infection among STD clinic clients and age-specific data suggests that much of the HCV transmission among IDU and non-IDU clients occurred before 1990. Selective screening of STD clinic clients who have ever used injecting drugs could be an efficient way to identify persons with HCV infection who may need case management services to access medical care.
Learning Objectives: 1. Particpants will learn the risk factors for hepatitis C among clients attending an STD clinic 2. Particpants will learn the factors related to obtaining medical follow-up after a client learns of his/her hepatitis C infection
Keywords: Hepatitis C, STD
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.