[Infection by HIV and the hepatitis B, C, and D viruses in intravenous drug addicts. Seroprevalence at 1 year and its follow-up].

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present article was to study the serology of intravenous drug user patients against the hepatitis B, C, D, and HIV, during 1990 and the follow-up during the same year, and 1991. METHODS: A study of 265 patients (mean age: 25 years, range: 16-45; 206 males and 59 females) was carried out. Forty-two percent came because of detoxication treatment, 30% requested diagnosis for hepatic disturbances and the only data provided in 28% were that they were intravenous drug users. None of the patients was an inmate from prisons. RESULTS: Seroprevalences were 67.5% for the HBV, 75.6% for HCV, 17% for HDV and 50.2% for HIV. In the patients seronegative for HBV (65%) and HIV (58%) no new serologic controls were performed during the study period, while in those who underwent controls the rates of seroconversion were 43.3% and 32%, respectively. In 30% of all seroconversions to HBV coinfection with HDV was found and in 23% antibodies against HIV were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the high rates of infection obtained, the authors believe that serologic follow up of intravenous drug users is advisable.