[Prevalence of chronic hidden infections in a cohort of patients in substitutive treatment with methadone].

Background: To analyse prevalence of hidden hepatitis B infection (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and tuberculosis infection in drug users (DU) in a maintenance programme with methadone (MPM).

Patients And Method: 189 DU were tested for HBV, HCV, HIV and tuberculin test. Drug addition history and route of administration were evaluated.

Results: Prevalence of HIV, HCV, and tuberculous infection was 29.2%, 75.9% and 59.3% respectively. Intravenous route, early use of heroin and delay to enter in MPM were significatively associated with HIV and HCV infections.

Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of tuberculous and HCV infections in DU. Early access to MPM could decrease prevalence of those infections.