[The hepatitis C virus among the prison population of Valencia].

AIM

To know the prevalence of anti-VHC in the Valencia Male Penitentiary Centre.

DESIGN

A prospective study in which a representative sample of the inmates is included. In each case the anti-VHC and the ALT are studied. Serological results were correlated with history of intravenous drug addiction, alcohol abuse and duration and number of internments. INMATES: 750 inmates are included; they represent 41% of the people interned in this Centre during 1991.

RESULTS

A high prevalence (45%) of the serological marker for VHC infection was observed. The prevalence of anti-VHC+ among the drug addict inmates is around 90% and this situation was already found during the first year of drug addiction. Among non-drug addict inmates the prevalence is 14%. Hepatitis C virus infection has a correlation with the duration and number of internments; 75% of the inmates with high ALT values have anti-VHC+.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly half of the inmates are infected with hepatitis C virus. The drug addict inmates are infected during the first year of their habit. The majority of the inmates with elevated ALT has anti-VHC+.