Impact of theExchange Programme of Injection Needles and Syringes on the Spread of ViralHepatitis Type C

Overview

The authors examined a total of 224 clients (147 men and 77 women) of the Contact centre fordrug-dependent subjects „Drug out“ in Ústí nad Labem. The subjects, parenteral abusers of harddrugs. The majority of examined subjects were 20–24 years old and accounted for 50.9% of the wholegroup. In all the history of abuse was assessed, the type of drug they took and are taking at present,how long they have been taking it, route of administration of the drug. Participation in the exchangeprogramme was focused on the adherence to using their own injection tools. In addition the authorsassessed whether the subjects had hepatitis. After they obtained informed consent, if possible, 4 mlvenous blood samples were taken. The blood was examined for anti-HCV by the method of microen-zyme immunoassay (MEIA) on an Axsym apparatus of Abbott Co.The positive response to anti-HCV was assessed in 83, i.e. 37.1%. Abusers who took drugs for longerperiods were more frequently infected. So far it proved possible to obtaine samples repeatedly from38 clients who were originally negative. In the latter new positivity was found in 36.8%. Theincidence of new positivity is 35.7/100/year. Evaluation of the participation in the exchange pro-gramme of needles and syringes was made with the following conclusion the provisions resolve theposition only partly, they reduce the rate of spread of infections but do not eliminate the risk. Thespread of VHC in the population of drug abusers is due to the risky procedure during preparationof the drug dose and lack of adherence to the principle of using their own needles and syringes.During implementation of preventive programmes in the population a comprehensive approach isneeded incl. information on the spread of viral hepatitis and HIV infection. VHC is a problem towhich systematic attention must be paid on account of its impact on health and economics. Theseproblems cumulate and develop after a certain time interval.

Key words:
VHC – parenteral drug abuse – exchange programme of needles and syringes.