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Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus, HIV and human T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma viruses in injecting drug users in Tayside, Scotland, 1993–7

The prevalence of blood-borne viruses in injecting drug users (IDUs) in Tayside, Scotland was determined by testing serum samples from IDUs who underwent attributable HIV antibody testing during 1993–7. The prevalence of antibodies to HIV was 29/802, (3·6%); to hepatitis C virus (HCV) 451/691, (65·3%); and to human T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma viruses type 1 and 2 (HTLV) 0/679, (0·0%). The prevalence of HIV and HCV antibodies were higher in subjects over the age of 25 (P=0·03 and P=0·001, respectively). During 1993–7 the prevalence of HCV fell only in younger female IDUs (P<0·01). HIV prevalence has declined dramatically since 1985, when a rate of 40% was recorded in similar populations. Harm reduction measures have failed to control HCV the spread of infection among IDUs in Tayside, as indicated by the high proportion of antibody positive IDUs, particularly males under the age of 25. Future studies should address the nature and effective reduction of continuing risk taking among IDUs in Tayside.