Sero-Prevalence of Bloodborne Tumor Viruses (HCV, HBV, HTLV-I and KSHV Infections) and Related Risk Factors among Prisoners in Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran, in 2008

Abstract

BackgroundPrisoners are at high risk of blood borne and sexually transmitted infections due to their high involvement in risky behaviors. In this descriptive/cross-sectional study, the prevalence, sero-prevalence, and risk factors for bloodborne tumor viruses including HTLV-I, HBV, HCV, and KSHV were evaluated among inmates of two central prisons in the northeast of Iran.MethodsBlood samples of 1114 inmates were analyzed for the presence of anti HTLV-I, KSHV, and HCV antibodies and HBsAg by ELISA. PCR tests were performed to confirm the presence of these viruses in plasma and identify the current infections.ResultsThe sero-prevalence of HCV, HBV, HTLV-I, and KSHV was 24.5%, 4.2%, 3.4%, and 3.2% and the prevalence of HCV, HBV, HTLV-I, and KSHV was 19.1%, 2.1%, 2%, and 3%, respectively. HCV infection was significantly associated with history of imprisonment, tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption, intravenous drug use, length of imprisonment, and type of crime committed. Thirty one (2.8%) prisoners had HCV-KSHV co-infection, 16 (1.5%) had HCV-HTLV-I co-infection, and 14 (1.3%) had HBV-HCV co-infection. Triple co-infection was observed in seven cases and one case had four infections concomitantly.ConclusionsThis epidemiological study indicated different rates and transmission risks for these viruses. HCV was the most contagious viral infection and HTLV-I was the weakest in the prisoners. Apart from KSHV infection which its prevalence was as twice as in the general population, the prevalence of HBV and HTLV-I in prisoners was nearly in ranges of the general population.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of HTLV-1 and Co-infections of Blood-Borne Viruses in Birjand, Iran’s Eastern Border

“…[16][17][18] However, the prevalence of HTLV-1 was 10 times lower than North and Razavi Khorasan provinces (0.3% vs. 2-3%), 11 and even 4 times lower than a segregated population in this region close to South Khorasan. 12 On the other hand, in other studies on subjects at risk of these viruses in northeastern Iran, 1,[19][20][21] the sero-prevalence of blood-borne oncogenic viruses (HCV, HBV, HTLV-1 and KSHV infections) was reported to be considerably higher than our study. With respect to the present study, it is more likely that the source of HTLV-1 infection in Iran, as an archetypic virus, is in Razavi Khorasan, Neyshabour or Mashhad.…”

“…These infections are major public health concerns since they are responsible for millions of deaths annually. 1,2 HBV and HCV infections represent a significant public health concern; HTLV-1, as an oncogenic virus, is moving progressively towards becoming a threatening health issue. Except HTLV-1, the prevalence of these infections is greater in some eastern provinces of Iran such as South Khorasan due to their closer ties to Afghanistan.…”

Smoking in Correctional Settings Worldwide: Prevalence, Bans, and Interventions

“… Location Study Population Year Data Collected In Prison, % General Population, a % Fold Increase No. Incarcerated Study Subjects Prison Population b Mixed Sex Studies Kwabla, 2015 ( 81 ) Ghana TB study 2014 43.7 6.1 7.16 161 13,164 Mamani, 2016 ( 82 ) Iran LTBI study 2013 81.9 c 10.9 c 7.53 1,208 226,220 Khajedaluee, 2016 ( 83 ) Iran Study participants with HTLV-I, HBV, HCV, and KSHV 2008 70.2 11.8 5.95 1,114 168,516 Mor, 2015 ( 84 ) Israel, Eritrea, Sudan, Ethiopia Undocumented, detained migrants with radiograph suggestive of TB 2009 48.4 19.9 d 2.43 62 20,164 Kinyanjui, 2013 ( 85 ) Kenya Prison population in Kenya 2011 32.7 (14.0% in past week) 13.5 1.04; 2.42 …”

Epidemiology and Treatment of Hepatitis B in Prisoners

“…This was a random sample of individuals incarcerated in the province who then voluntarily consented to blood testing [10]. …”