Ongoing transmission of hepatitis B virus infection among inmates at a state correctional facility

A.J. Khan, E.P. Simard, W.A. Bower, H.L. Wurtzel, M. Khristova, K.D. Wagner, K.E. Arnold, O.V. Nainan, M. LaMarre and B.P. Bell

American Journal of Public Health, 2005, vol. 95, issue 10, 1793-1799

Abstract: Objectives. We sought to determine hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection prevalence, associated exposures, and incidence among male inmates at a state correctional facility. Methods. A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted in June 2000, and susceptible inmates were retested in June 2001. Results. At baseline, 230 inmates (20.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 18.2%, 22.9%) exhibited evidence of HBV infection, including 11 acute and 11 chronic infections. Inmates with HBV infection were more likely than susceptible inmates to have injected drugs (38.8% vs 18.0%; adjusted prevalence odds ratio [OR] = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.9, 4.9), to have had more than 25 female sex partners (27.7% vs 17.5%; adjusted prevalence OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.4, 3.0), and to have been incarcerated for more than 14 years (38.4% vs 17.6%; adjusted prevalence OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.1, 2.6). One year later, 18 (3.6%) showed evidence of new HBV infection. Among 19 individuals with infections, molecular analysis identified 2 clusters involving 10 inmates, each with a unique HBV sequence. Conclusions. We documented ongoing HBV transmission at a state correctional facility. Similar transmission may occur at other US correctional facilities and could be prevented by vaccination of inmates.

Date: 2005
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2004.047753_5

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2004.047753

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