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Published:
Oct 12, 2005Keywords:
Anti HCV HIV infection co-infection sero-epidemiology Port Harcourt Nigeria
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The Prevalence Of Hepatitis C Antibodies In Patients With Hiv Infection In The Niger Delta Of Nigeria 0sekhuemen
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have emerged as global public health problem and a significant cause of mortality in Nigeria and many parts of the world.
Aims: To study prevalence of HCV in seropositive HIV patients in Niger-Delta region of Nigeria.
Study Population & Method: This study was undertaken among 342 HIV sero-positive patients recruited into the antiretroviral therapy pilot project in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, comprising of 192 males and 150 females were screened for anti-HCV antibodies.
Results: Anti HCV antibodies were detected in 3 (0.9%) of patients infected with HIV. Confection rate was higher in females 2 (1.3%) compared to males 1 (0.5%) (P<0.05). HIV and HCV co-infection rate was highest in the 30 - 39 years age group. Both single/unmarried and married subjects had similar rates of co-infection 2/195 (1.03%) and 1/100 (1%). Among the different occupational groups, commercial sex workers and long distance drivers had the highest co-infection rates of 3.3% and 2.2%.respectively. The highest co infection rate occurred in persons of low socio economic level with informal education and primary education (1.8% and 1.1% respectively).
Conclusion: This study confirms a 0.9% HCV infection rate among HIV- infected patients in the Niger Delta of Nigeria and describes the groups that are at risk. This calls for urgent health education of people in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria and the institution of preventive measures to check the further spread of both infections.
Key Words: Anti HCV, HIV infection, co-infection, sero-epidemiology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Highland Medical Research Journal Vol. 3 (1) 2005: 11-17
Aims: To study prevalence of HCV in seropositive HIV patients in Niger-Delta region of Nigeria.
Study Population & Method: This study was undertaken among 342 HIV sero-positive patients recruited into the antiretroviral therapy pilot project in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, comprising of 192 males and 150 females were screened for anti-HCV antibodies.
Results: Anti HCV antibodies were detected in 3 (0.9%) of patients infected with HIV. Confection rate was higher in females 2 (1.3%) compared to males 1 (0.5%) (P<0.05). HIV and HCV co-infection rate was highest in the 30 - 39 years age group. Both single/unmarried and married subjects had similar rates of co-infection 2/195 (1.03%) and 1/100 (1%). Among the different occupational groups, commercial sex workers and long distance drivers had the highest co-infection rates of 3.3% and 2.2%.respectively. The highest co infection rate occurred in persons of low socio economic level with informal education and primary education (1.8% and 1.1% respectively).
Conclusion: This study confirms a 0.9% HCV infection rate among HIV- infected patients in the Niger Delta of Nigeria and describes the groups that are at risk. This calls for urgent health education of people in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria and the institution of preventive measures to check the further spread of both infections.
Key Words: Anti HCV, HIV infection, co-infection, sero-epidemiology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Highland Medical Research Journal Vol. 3 (1) 2005: 11-17
