Dear Corrections Colleagues,

Viral hepatitis is endemic in correctional populations. In some systems, over 40% of inmates are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and outbreaks of hepatitis B virus (HBV) have been reported in correctional settings. Both viruses can co-infect HIV-positive individuals, complicating HIV management. Recent data describe increasing rates of mortality due to viral hepatitis among HIV-infected persons and liver disease is becoming a leading cause of death among patients with HIV. Given the heavy burden of hepatitis in prisons and jails, correctional clinicians must become familiar with the detection, prevention and management of both HCV and HBV.

In this issue of IDCR, Dr. Chloe Thio, a nationally recognized expert on HBV therapeutics, provides her perspective on the latest developments in HBV treatment and offers practical advice regarding commonly encountered dilemmas in HBV treatment. IDCR Board Member Dr. Bethany Weaver contributes a case study on HCV, highlighting the major issues related to counseling, staging and treatment of this all too prevalent infection. These instructive articles are supplemented by a list of resources readers can access to obtain further information.

While this issue was going to press, two major events occurred. The first was the International AIDS Society Conference (also called the World AIDS Conference). There were several major HIV therapeutic developments presented at the conference and special sessions focusing on prisoners, including a session chaired by IDCR Executive Editor Dr. Annie De Groot. Special coverage of the conference will be included in the September issue. In addition, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Science issued their anticipated report on ethical considerations regarding research involving prisoners. This important report will also be covered in-depth in the next issue of IDCR.

Lastly, IDCR and the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) are teaming up to help make the resources of the AAHIVM accessible to correctional clinicians and are hoping to work together on future continuing education projects. Visit the AAHIVM website at www.aahivm.org to learn more about the academy.

We look forward to reading your responses to what you read in IDCR. Email me at wohl@med.unc.edu or Annie De Groot at Annied@brown.edu. Letters to the editor can be found on the IDCR website.

Sincerely,

David Alain Wohl, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Division of Infectious Diseases
AIDS Clinical Trials Unit
The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

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