Open AccessConfronting the Emerging Epidemic of HCV Infection Among Young Injection Drug Users
Author(s) -
Ronald O. Valdiserri,
Jag H. Khalsa,
Corinna Dan,
Scott D. Holmberg,
Jon E. Zibbell,
Deborah Holtzman,
Robert Lubran,
Wilson M. Compton
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2013.301812
Subject(s) - injection drug use , virology , medicine , drug , environmental health , epidemiology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , drug injection , psychiatry
Hepatitis C virus infection is a significant public health problem in the United States and an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent reports document HCV infection increases among young injection drug users in several US regions, associated with America's prescription opioid abuse epidemic. Incident HCV infection increases among young injectors who have recently transitioned from oral opioid abuse present an important public health challenge requiring a comprehensive, community-based response. We summarize recommendations from a 2013 Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy convening of experts in epidemiology, behavioral science, drug prevention and treatment, and other research; community service providers; and federal, state, and local government representatives. Their observations highlight gaps in our surveillance, program, and research portfolios and advocate a syndemic approach to this emerging public health problem.