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Summary

Chapter 8 explains how blood-borne viruses are transmitted through contaminated injections. Throughout the world, intravenous drug users are a high-risk population for HIV and the hepatitis C virus. Medical interventions that re-used unsterilised syringes and needles were also implicated in the transmission of blood-borne viruses. In Egypt, millions were infected with the hepatitis C virus through the mass treatment of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease. Hundreds of thousands of American soldiers were infected with the hepatitis B virus during World War II through a contaminated yellow fever vaccine. In Romania, Libya, the former Soviet Union, and more recently in Cambodia and Pakistan, large outbreaks of iatrogenic HIV infection have been reported and continue to occur.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) seropositive AIDS free and HIV-1 seronegative intravenous drug users were tested twice with a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Only minor group differences were found. Memory difficulties were the most pronounced difference with lower scores in the HIV-1 seropositive group. The memory difficulties were to some degree associated with emotional difficulties, that is, anxiety. The HIV-1 seropositive subjects were tested a third time and there was no further decline in any test with memory content at this testing. The only test that showed a significant decline in the HIV-1 seropositive group was the Trail Making Test. (JINS, 1996, 2, 126–133.)

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Chapter 8 - Injections and the Transmission of Viruses

Summary

Neuropsychological Deficits In HIV-1 seropositive and seronegative intravenous drug users (IVDUs): A follow-up study

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Chapter 8 - Injections and the Transmission of Viruses

Summary

Neuropsychological Deficits In HIV-1 seropositive and seronegative intravenous drug users (IVDUs): A follow-up study