Water-Borne Pathogens among Injecting Drug Users in the U.S.-Mexico Border

Background: Lack of sanitary injection practices among injection drug users residing in the U.S.-Mexico Border area has led to increased rates of water-borne pathogens, particularly infectious hepatitis (Hepatitis A) and Hepatitis B. Additionally, bacterial infections resulting in abscesses have been observed. Given the lack of sanitary injection practices coupled with contaminated drinking water, outbreaks of Hepatitis A will continue if prevention efforts are not implemented among IDUs.

Methods: A secondary analysis was performed on data collected from injection drug users as part of a NIDA sponsored intervention grant in the U.S.-Mexico region. The analysis included the prevalence of injection practices (syringe sharing, sharing cookers, cottons, and rinse water).

Results: An extremely high prevalence of sharing injection paraphernalia was

found. Moreover, high rates of hepatitis B and abscesses were observed among injection drug users in the region. Unsanitary injection practices, including the use of cigarette butts to filter drug solutions for injection, were found.

Conclusions: Efforts directed at reducing the incidence of water-borne pathogens among injection drug users must take a comprehensive approach that not only examines injection practices but also the environmental context in which it occurs.