HIV and hepatitis B surveillance in First Nations alcohol and drug treatment centers in British Columbia, Canada.

Data have been lacking on the prevalence of HIV and hepatitis B (HB) infections in the North American Indian population in Canada. In January 1992, surveillance was introduced into two residential First Nations alcohol and drug treatment centers in British Columbia as part of an AIDS/STD education program. Male and female clients were given the option of participating and submitting serum for testing of HIV, HBsAg, and anti-HBc. As of December 31, 1995, 1,165 Native persons had been tested. There were four positive HIV results--two males and two females--a rate of 3.5/1,000. This compares with an expected rate of 4/1,000 for a British Columbia population not selected for specific risk factors. Similarly, the rate of HB carriage is low at 0.3%, compared to a provincial population rate of 0.5%. Evidence of past hepatitis B infection is 11.3%, double the rate of a British Columbia blood donor population. This study is ongoing.