Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus infection among persons who inject drug in 4 cities, US, 2009

HCV infection is a common blood borne infection with an estimated 4 million persons infected in the US. Prevalence of HCV infection in persons who inject drugs can reach up to 90% depending on duration and frequency of injection and injection-related behaviors. In 2009, we conducted a serological survey in 4 US cities to determine the prevalence and correlates of HCV infection among persons who report injecting drugs in the past 12 months. The study examined data from 4 cities (NYC, Dallas, Denver, and Seattle) that participated in the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System. Participants were recruited using Respondent Driven Sampling. In addition to behavioral risk factor survey data, testing for HIV and HCV was conducted. Of the 1714 persons who had an HCV test the prevalence of HCV infection was 78.4% (Seattle (72.8%), Denver (73.0%), NYC (75.5%), and Dallas (89.1%). The characteristics of the population, prevalence of injection-related behaviors, and HCV infection prevalence by such characteristics will be presented in detail. Prevalence of behaviors associated with HCV transmission and prevalence of HCV infection continue to be a significant problem among persons who inject drugs.