Abstract:
Objective To understand the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the genotypes of prevalent HCV among drug users in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (Inner Mongolia).
Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to June 2022 among all newly admitted drug users (n = 1 659) at AIDS sentinel surveillance sites in four cities of Inner Mongolia. Participants were interviewed and blood samples were collected for relevant information, anti-HCV/HCV nucleic acid detection, and genotyping of HCV RNA-positive specimens. Enumeration data were described by using proportions, and the chi-squared test was taken for comparisons between groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify risk factors for HCV infection among drug users.
Results Among 1 659 drug users aged 43.67 ± 9.52 years, 98.01% were male; 89.33% were of Han ethnicity; 85.65% had local household registration; 46.05% were married or cohabiting; and 73.54% reported education of junior high school and below. HCV infection was diagnosed in 13.62% of all drug users. The most common HCV genotypes among HCV-infected individuals were 1b, 3a, and 3b, and the majority of infections with different genotypes had intermediate or high HCV RNA viral loads. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that injecting and needle-sharing drug users had a significantly increased risk of HCV infection compared with those without the two drug use behaviors, with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 2.994 (2.243 – 3.995) and 8.217 (4.128 – 16.355), respectively.
Conclusion The prevalent HCV genotypes among HCV-infected drug users in Inner Mongolia are 1b and 3a, and genotype 3a HCV infections have higher viral loads. Strengthening drug control, regular testing and treatment of HCV infection among drug users should be implemented to promptly detect and intervene in HCV infection in the population.
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