[Prevalence of HIV and hepatitis B and C among drug addicts in the city of Copenhagen].

Blood samples were drawn from 291 drug users attending methadone clinics throughout 1997 and interviews performed about associated risk factors for seroconversion. The overall prevalence of HIV was 3.4%. Sixty-four percent tested positive for HBV and 75% for HCV. Almost all with a ten year history of drug use acquired one or more of the infections, including those who reported not to have injected. Among the sexually active 54% never used a condom and 14% of the injectors had shared needles within the last six months. Prevention measures contributing to the low prevalence of HIV had apparently no effect on transmission of hepatitis B and C. The findings call for more focus on hepatitis prevention including information, counselling, testing and vaccination.