[Question #13487] STI testing recommendations

4 days ago

What type of STI testing would you recommend after long-term incarceration if no sexual activity occurred during the length of incarceration? I am specifically concerned-and confused-about the risk for hepatitis since it can be contracted in a variety of ways other than sexually.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

4 days ago

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your confidence in our services. Congratulations on your attention to infection control in this situation. We are not experts in infection risks in incarceration settings, but this is really a general infectious diseases question and I can help.

Sex and needle sharing are the only ways the hepatitis viruses are likely to be transmitted in your situation. It really isn't true that they are transmitted "in a variety of ways other than sexually". Close quarters but without sex is no significant risk, even if other nearby residents are infected with the hepatitis A, B or C viruses (HBA, HBV, HBC). That's true even with shared toilets, towels, clothing, eating utensils, or drinking glasses or cups. The same is true for HIV, in case you're also concerned about it.

The only possible exception is hepatitis A; HAV can be transmitted by anything that involves contact with feces, even if quite indirect (like a contaminated toilet area). However, there is no chronic carrier state for HAV; if you have not been around someone who was obviously sick with hepatitis (jaundice, fever, abdominal pain), then you can be sure you were not exposed to the virus.

Also, if you were ever vaccinated against HBV infection, as you probably were as a child, you are immune or at least highly resistant to it.

So you really need not be worried. If you remain concerned, you could see a doctor or lab and request testing for HBV and HBC, but I suggest only if you remain concerned and would like additional reassurance -- not because you actually are at risk.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

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4 days ago

This is very helpful information and I appreciate your answer.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

4 days ago

Thanks for the thanks. I'm glad to have helped. Best wishes and stay safe.---