Prevalence of Injection-Related Bacterial and Fungal Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - Scorecard - MDSpire
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Prevalence of Injection-Related Bacterial and Fungal Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Clinical Scorecard: Epidemiology of Bacterial and Fungal Infections Linked to Injection Practices in Individuals Who Inject Drugs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Injection-related bacterial and fungal infections among people who inject drugs (PWID)
Key Mechanisms
Introduction of bacteria or fungi into skin and soft tissues or bloodstream during injecting drug use, leading to localized and systemic infections
Target Population
People who recently injected drugs or received opioid agonist treatment within the past 12 months
Care Setting
Healthcare settings including hospitals for treatment of severe infections and community harm reduction services
Key Highlights
Prevalence of skin and soft-tissue infections among PWID is 13% in the past month, 30% in the past 3–12 months, and 47% lifetime.
Prevalence of endocarditis is 2% in the past month and 6% lifetime among PWID.
Injection-related infections cause significant morbidity, hospitalization, and healthcare costs, with increasing burden globally.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Assess for localized infections such as abscess and cellulitis in PWID presenting with injection-related complications.
Evaluate for systemic infections including endocarditis and bloodstream infections in symptomatic PWID.
Management
Prompt treatment of localized infections to prevent progression to systemic disease.
Hospitalization and invasive procedures may be required for severe infections such as endocarditis and osteomyelitis.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Monitor PWID for signs of injection-related infections regularly, especially those with recent injecting history.
Track incidence and prevalence trends to identify high-risk subpopulations and inform interventions.
Risks
Injection-related infections carry risks of severe disability, premature mortality, and prolonged hospitalization.
Untreated localized infections can progress to systemic infections with higher morbidity.
Patient & Prescribing Data
People who inject drugs and those receiving opioid agonist treatment recently
Interventions to reduce injection-related infections are needed to decrease disease burden; data highlight high prevalence and incidence requiring targeted harm reduction and clinical management.
Clinical Best Practices
Implement harm reduction strategies to minimize exposure to pathogens during injecting.
Early identification and treatment of skin and soft tissue infections to prevent systemic complications.
Coordinate multidisciplinary care including infectious disease specialists, addiction services, and harm reduction programs.
Educate patients on safe injecting practices and signs of infection to encourage timely healthcare seeking.
