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Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases are closely intertwined with the opioid epidemic, particularly due to the widespread practice of injection drug use among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). The sharing of needles, syringes, and other drug paraphernalia among people who inject opioids significantly increases the risk of transmitting bloodborne infections such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. Furthermore, chronic opioid use can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to various infectious diseases. The opioid epidemic has also exacerbated social determinants of health such as homelessness and poverty, which further contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. Addressing infectious diseases within the context of the opioid epidemic requires comprehensive strategies that focus on harm reduction, access to healthcare services, and addressing social determinants of health to effectively mitigate the transmission of infections and improve health outcomes for individuals affected by OUD.

Infectious Disease Resources

Websites

Risk of Infectious Diseases in Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder

This website from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) underscores the heightened risk of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases, among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD).

Infectious Diseases in Persons Who Inject Drugs

This resource, from the CDC, highlights the intersection of the opioid crisis and infectious diseases among people who inject drugs (PWID), including viral hepatitis, HIV, and bacterial and fungal infections. It emphasizes the importance of evidence-based prevention programs, such as syringe services programs (SSPs), in providing comprehensive services like sterile syringe access, testing, vaccination, and linkage to care. The CDC's efforts focus on implementing these programs to mitigate the spread of infections and offer support and resources for individuals affected by substance use disorders.

Tools & Resources

Syringe Services Programs

This CDC resource highlights the critical role of Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis C and HIV, among people who inject drugs. SSPs offer various services, including access to sterile syringes, testing, counseling, and referrals to substance use disorder treatment, significantly reducing the risk of infections and overdose deaths. Research indicates that SSPs are safe, effective, and associated with positive outcomes, including increased entry into drug treatment and reduced drug use. Additionally, SSPs collaborate with law enforcement to provide naloxone and safe needle disposal, contributing to community safety.222

Safety and Effectiveness of Syringe Services Programs

This CDC resource discusses the safety and effectiveness of Syringe services programs (SSPs) which are proven and effective community-based prevention programs that can provide a range of services and protect the public and first responders by facilitating the safe disposal of used needles and syringes.

Posters & Infographics

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Publications

TIP 53: Addressing Viral Hepatitis in People With Substance Use Disorders

This manual assists behavioral health professionals who treat people living with substance use disorders in understanding the implications of a hepatitis diagnosis. It discusses screening and referrals, and explains how to evaluate a program's hepatitis practices. Access the literary review.

Advisory: Treatment Substance Use Disorders Among People with HIV

This Advisory is based on TIP 37, Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons With HIV/AIDS. It highlights strategies and considerations for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers to effectively engage people with HIV in SUD treatment.

Webinars & Online Learning

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Current News & Research

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies Evaluating the Effect of Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder on Infectious Disease Outcomes

McNamara, K. F., Biondi, B. E., Hernández-Ramírez, R. U., Taweh, N., Grimshaw, A. A., & Springer, S. A. (2021). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies Evaluating the Effect of Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder on Infectious Disease Outcomes. Open forum infectious diseases, 8(8), ofab289. https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofab289

Integrating Responses to the Opioid Use Disorder and Infectious Disease Epidemics

Springer, S. A., Merluzzi, A. P., & Del Rio, C. (2020). Integrating Responses to the Opioid Use Disorder and Infectious Disease Epidemics: A Report From the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. JAMA, 324(1), 37–38. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.2559