Characterizing the Burden of Hepatitis C Infection Among Entrants to Pennsylvania State Prisons, 2004 to 2012

This study reports the prevalence of chronic infection and the genotype distribution among an incarcerated population. HCV antibody testing was provided to adults entering Pennsylvania prisons; confirmatory and genotype testing were offered to those eligible for treatment. Antibody prevalence among 101,727 individuals was 18.1%. Among 7,633 individuals who underwent confirmatory testing, 69.3% had detectable RNA. Among 3,247 individuals who underwent genotype testing, genotype 1 was the most common (76.6%). The rate of chronic infection after HCV exposure is similar to that reported in the community, as is genotype distribution. Correctional facilities provide access to a population with a high disease burden, creating a public health opportunity for evaluation and treatment.

Source: Journal of Correctional Health Care - December 14, 2015 Category: Health Management Authors: Mahowald, M. K., Larney, S., Zaller, N. D., Scharff, N., Taylor, L. E., Beckwith, C. G., Noska, A., Rich, J. D., Flanigan, T. P. Tags: Articles Source Type: research