Abstract
BackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV), either alone or in combination with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), constitutes a major public health concern. This study was conducted to describe the prevalence and risk factors for HCV infection in people with and without HIV infection.MethodsBlood samples and data on socio-demographic and risk factors for HCV infection were collected from consecutive 400 HIV- positive and 400 HIV- negative individuals attending HIV testing centers in Hawassa city, from October to December, 2008. All sera were tested for antibody to HCV infection (anti-HCV) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera positive for anti-HCV were further tested for viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) levels using real-time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThe rate of anti-HCV positivity was 10.5% in the HIV- infected individuals compared with 6% in the HIV negative group (p = 0.002). HCV-RNA was detected in 9.1% of anti-HCV positive samples and rates were comparable between HIV- infected and HIV- non-infected individuals. There was no significant difference in odds of HCV infection in participants with and without HCV risk factors in either HIV sero-group.ConclusionHIV infected individuals had significantly higher rate of anti-HCV although most of them showed no evidence of viraemia. Hence, while priority should be given for HIV infected patients, testing those with anti-HCV for HCV-RNA remains important.
Highlights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a major public health burden in both industrialized and developing countries
The prevalence of anti-HCV in Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals was 10.5% compared to 6% in HIV-negative individuals (p = 0.002) (Table 2)
A comparable rate of antiHCV marker was observed in HIV-infected individuals with or without antiretroviral therapy (ART)
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a major public health burden in both industrialized and developing countries. The prevalence of HCV infection is estimated to be 2.2-3.0% (130-170 million people) worldwide [1]. Region-specific estimates range from < 1.0% in Northern Europe to > 2.9% in Northern Africa, with the highest prevalence (15%-20%) reported in Egypt [2]. About 15 to 20% of HCV infections progress to potentially serious cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease [3]. Due to shared mode of transmission, co-infection of HCV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has become a growing public health concern. Hepatitis C virus (HCV), either alone or in combination with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), constitutes a major public health concern. This study was conducted to describe the prevalence and risk factors for HCV infection in people with and without HIV infection
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
