Prevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV and Effect on Clinical Course in COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

Objective: COVID-19 may progress with hepatic exacerbation in viral infections such as hepatitis B. It was aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical course of HBV, HCV, and HIV in COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: Patients who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 and requested hepatitis and HIV serological tests were included in the study. Demographic data, HBV, HCV, HIV serologies, ALT, and AST results of patients were recorded. Results: Out of 226 patients included in the study, 118(52%) were male, 108(48%) were female, and the average age was 63.47±16.09 years. HBsAg positivity was found in six (3%), isolated Anti-HBcIgG positivity in six (3%), and Anti-HCV positivity in seven (3%) patients. Anti-HIV positivity wasn’t detected. In two HBsAg-positive patients, HBV-DNA was negative, and in four, it was positive. In anti-HCV-positive patients, HCV-RNA was negative. Although not statistically significant, the median age of HBsAg-positive patients was lower, and the median ALT and AST were higher. However, the length of hospital stay, transfer rate to the intensive care unit, and discharge status were similar in all groups. Conclusion: Liver enzymes were high in the HBsAg-positive patient group. Therefore, it was considered that COVID-19 may cause hepatic exacerbation in HBsAg-positive patients.