Abstract

ZOCRATTO, Keli Bahia Felicíssimo  and  PROJETO AJUDE-BRASIL I et al. HCV and HIV infection and co-infection: injecting drug use and sexual behavior, AjUDE-Brasil I Project. Cad. Saúde Pública [online]. 2006, vol.22, n.4, pp. 839-848. ISSN 0102-311X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2006000400022.

This study aimed to characterize sexual and drug-use behaviors in injecting drug users (IDUs) in relation to single hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and HCV/HIV co-infection. The sample consisted of 272 IDUs enrolled in the AjUDE-Brasil I Project, a cross-sectional multi-center study conducted in five Brazilian cities in 1998. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire using self-reported risk behavior, and HCV and HIV serological status used ELISA on filter paper. IDUs were clustered in four distinct groups: HCV/HIV seronegative; HCV mono-infected; HIV mono-infected; and HCV/HIV co-infected. Active sharing of injecting equipment was associated with HCV infection (p = 0.001). Sexual behavior variables, especially male same-sex sexual relations, were consistently associated with HIV infection. HCV/HIV co-infection was associated with both sexual and drug use variables. It was possible to distinguish different behavioral indicators for HCV and HIV infection and co-infection in this population.

Keywords : Intravenous Drug Abuse; Sexual Behavior; Hepatitis C Virus; HIV.