Open AccessRisk factors and seroprevalence of markers for hepatitis A, B and C in persons subject to homelessness in inner Sydney
Author(s) -
Poulos Roslyn,
Ferson Mark,
Orr Karen,
Lucy Adrienne,
Botham Susan,
McCarthy Michele,
Stern Jerome,
Dixon Julie,
Murray Carolyn,
Polis Suzanne
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-842x.2007.00056.x
Subject(s) - medicine , seroprevalence , hepatitis b , serology , vaccination , hepatitis a , population , hepatitis c , immunology , hepatitis , antibody , environmental health
Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A, B and C and the prevalence of risk factors for blood‐borne infections in persons subject to homelessness attending a medical clinic in inner Sydney. Method: During 2003‐05, 201 clients were enrolled in a prospective study to determine the acceptance, completion rates and immunogenicity of the standard vaccination schedule for hepatitis A and B. On enrolment, clients completed a risk factor assessment questionnaire and undertook pre‐vaccination serological screening for hepatitis A, B and C. Results: Forty‐five per cent (85/188) of clients were positive for anti‐HCV antibodies; 32% (60/189) showed evidence of past infection with HBV (anti‐HBc); and 48% (89/189) were positive for anti‐HAV antibodies. It was not uncommon for clients to have multiple markers of hepatitis. A past history of injecting drug use was significantly associated with markers for hepatitis B and C; age predicted presence of anti‐HAV. A verbal history of infection appeared more reliable for hepatitis C, but considerably less so for hepatitis A and B. Conclusion: Persons subject to homelessness are at risk of blood‐borne infection. The seroprevalence of markers for hepatitis B and C are higher than in the general population. Implications: Despite the high proportion of clients with serological markers for hepatitis A and B, at least 69% of clients could potentially benefit from hepatitis A and/or B vaccination.