Prevalence of HIV, HCV, HBV, and syphilis infection among Egyptian drug users: Cairo University hospitals' experience.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: An integrated screening program with fast-track access to care for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Syphilis were implemented in substance use treatment clinic at Cairo University hospitals, Egypt. This study aimed to assess seroprevalence rates of HIV, HBV, HCV, and Syphilis among drug users and evaluate their awareness and uptake of prevention and testing services.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A total of 2545 drug users were screened for HIV, HCV, Treponema pallidum (TP) antibodies, and surface antigen of HBV (HBsAg) between September 2022 and January 2024. Additionally, data on knowledge related to testing and prevention services were collected from 1066 drug users.

RESULTS

Seroprevalence rates of HIV, HCV, HBsAg, and Syphilis were 4.4%, 8%, 1.34% and 0.1%, respectively. Among the 1066 drug users interviewed regarding their awareness and uptake of prevention and testing services, only 10 (1%) participants were tested for HCV during the previous nationwide screening campaign; three of them tested positive and two received treatment. Five (0.5%) participants were previously tested for HIV and were negative. Only 3 (0.3%) participants had heard of Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), while 5 (0.5%) received an HBV vaccination. No participants have ever received free condoms, clean needles or methadone maintenance therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate the need for improved testing, treatment, and prevention services directed to drug users, coupled with focused awareness efforts to increase access to these services.