Affiliation:
1. Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, 165 El-Horreya Avenue, Alexandria, Egypt
Abstract
Background:
Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections constitute a global health concern. They share common modes
of transmission, increasing the likelihood of co-infection. Co-infection accelerates viral replication,
promotes the progression of chronic liver diseases and challenges antiviral therapy. There are no
available data addressing the magnitude of chronic viral hepatitis co-infection in people living with
HIV in Egypt. Nor is there a mandate for HCV/HBV screening. This cross-sectional study provides
needed data on HBV and/or HCV co-infection in Egyptian people living with HIV.
Subjects and Methods:
The study was conducted at the HIV clinic in Alexandria Fever Hospital.
The investigation included 168 confirmed HIV cases. All cases were interviewed and tested for
HCV-Ab and HBsAg by ELISA.
Results:
There were 52 (31%) persons who were anti-HCV positive. 40 of them had detectable
HCV RNA (76.9%). HIV/HCV co-infection was significantly higher among males (40.7%) compared
to only (10.9%) among females (OR = 3). History of imprisonment (OR = 4.84, CI:
1.33-17.62), accidental puncture with protruding needle contaminated with blood (OR = 3.35, CI:
0.99-11.72), alcohol use (OR = 3.03, CI: 1.13-8.09) and male gender (OR = 2.96, CI: 0.99-8.88)
were all significant predictors for HIV/HCV co-infection. On the other hand, HIV/HCV co-infection
was inversely associated with high education level (OR = 0.28, CI: 0.10-0.76). HBsAg was detected
in 4 (2.4%), and anti-HBc in 49 (29.2%) of HIV patients. Previous HBV infection (positive
anti-HBc/negative anti-HBs) was significantly associated with a history of female genital mutilation
circumcision, injection drug use, invasive procedures, non-specific fatigue and HCV-Ab seropositivity.
Conclusion:
Egyptian people living with HIV have an increased frequency of HCV antibody and
HCV infection compared to the general population indicating a higher risk of infection and suggest
a higher risk of HCV exposure. Past or present HBV co-infections are also elevated. Routine
screening of these viruses in the management protocol of people living with HIV in Egypt is recommended.
Funder
Science and Technology Development Fund
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Virology,Infectious Diseases