Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) seropositivity in a cohort of HIV co-infected art naïve subjects: Assessment of biochemical profile

Abstract

Background: Hepatotropic virus infection, such as Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is altering the gains of highly active Antiretroviral therapy HAART; and rapidly increasing non-AIDS related mortality in people living with HIV disease.

Aim: This warranted the investigation of some biochemical indices in a Cohort of 94 HIV Seropositive Subjects, out of which 11 were co-infected with HCV. Controls consisted of 80 subjects Seronegative for HIV and HCV antibodies.

Method: We analysed Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP), Creatinine, Total Cholesterol (TCH), Random Blood Glucose (RBG) and Potassium (K+) in the HIV, HIV/HCV and HCV subjects and the controls.

Result: The liver enzymes mean values (AST, ALT, ALP) were significantly higher in the HIV/HCV subjects compared to the HIV, HCV mono-infections and the controls (P<0.01). Similarly, Creatinine mean value was also higher in the HIV/HCV compared to the other studied groups (P< 0.001). Total cholesterol (TCH) and potassium (K+) were incomparable in the studied groups (P> 0.05). Conversely, random blood glucose showed a significant difference in the mean values with the highest value registered in the HIV/HCV subjects (P<0.05).

Conclusion: HIV/HCV Co-infection may worsen the biochemical profile in HIV setting, and may increase non-AIDS-related morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV disease. Understanding the scope of this phenomenon, in addition to rapid interventional measures may be necessary to ameliorate its impact.