Hepatitis C Virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus-I (HIV) Co-Infection in Children in Benin City, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study was done to assess the incidence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and co — infection with Human Immunodeficiency virus - 1 (HIV) amongst children between the ages of 0 — 17 years in Benin City, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from four hundred (400) children selected from public and private hospitals as well as primary and secondary schools in Benin City. Samples were analyzed for HCV using the One step Hepatitis C virus strip. HIV analysis was done using HIV rapid testing algorithm. Two hundred (200) out of the four hundred (400) children were randomly screened for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection using the Clinotech diagnostic HBsAg detection test. Questionnaires were used to obtain information about the children. Of all the children, only one child tested positive to HCV infection, giving a prevalence rate of 0.25%. All screening for HBV was negative. The child with HCV (a female) also tested positive for HIV, suggestive of a co — infection. There was no obvious influence of previous blood transfusion, exposure to intramuscular injections, place of delivery or educational status of the children’s parents on the results obtained.

Keywords: Hepatitis C virus, HIV, Children.