Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C among Injection Drug Users in Denver, Colorado

Objectives: To evaluate the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among injection drug user (IDU). Methods: Between August and December 2009, IDU were recruited using respondent-driven sampling as part of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System (NHBS). Consenting participants completed an in-depth behavioral questionnaire and provided a serum sample for HCV testing using a third-generation enzyme immunoassay (ORTHO® HCV Version 3.0 ELISA). Sera samples were also tested for HIV using an HIV-1 Western blot. Bivariate analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and the seroprevalence of HCV. Presented data are unweighted. Results: Of the 432 participants who completed the survey, 403 (93%) provided a serum sample for HCV testing. Of those with a confirmed HCV result, 294 tested positive for a seroprevalence of 73%. Non-white participants were significantly more likely to be infected at 53% (n=153) compared to 47% (n=137) of white participants [Prevalence Ratio (PR): 1.5, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.2, 2.0]. Older participants, those over the age of 45, were also more likely to be infected when compared to those under the age of 45 [PR: 2.6, 95% CI:1.8, 3.8]. Gender, education, and health insurance coverage were not associated with higher HCV seroprevalence. Among HCV-infected participants, 5% (n=16) were co-infected with HIV. Conclusions: The seroprevalence of HCV among IDU in Denver is high, particularly among non-white and older IDU. Prevention messages should be targeted to younger IDU.