Bloodborne virus infections among drug users in Ireland: a retrospective cross-sectional survey of screening, prevalence, incidence and hepatitis B immunisation uptake.

Background: Injecting drug users are at high-risk of bloodborne virus infections including hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV) and HIV.

Aims: To document screening for and immunisation against bloodborne viruses and to determine the known prevalence and incidence of these infections.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of clients attending 21 specialist addiction treatment clinics in one health board area in greater Dublin.