High circulation of hepatitis C virus in drug abusers with acute viral hepatitis :epidemiological and clinical implications

To evaluate the potential role of HCV infection in an epidemic of hepatitis B and nAnB among intravenous drug abusers (IVDA) we have retrospectively analyze by an Elisa test (Ortho) their frozen sera. A high circulation of HCV had occurred among IVDA and in most instances HCV infection was experienced earlier than, or contemporary with, HBV infection. HCV infection was associated with a high rate of chronicity among patients with nAnB hepatitis and with persistence of liver damage in patients with hepatitis B after HBsAg clearance. Neither coinfection nor previous infection with HCV did apparently interfere with the clearance of HBsAg during acute hepatitis B.